illumination
n. C / Un. the light that comes from a lamp, the sun, or another source. It can also mean a clear explanation that helps you understand a difficult subject.
n. the provision of light to an area or object; the physical light itself. In a figurative sense, refers to the clarification or spiritual enlightenment of a concept or individual.
The street lamps provide enough illumination for a safe walk home.
The architect used large windows to maximize natural illumination and reduce the building's energy consumption.
The scholar's latest commentary provides much-needed illumination on the poet's more obscure metaphors, which have puzzled critics for decades.
Borrowed from Middle French illumination, from Late Latin illuminatio, from Latin illumino. Equivalent to illuminate + -ion.
Uncountable when referring to the general presence of light; countable when referring to specific decorative lights or instances of clarification.