illuminant

noun

il·​lu·​mi·​nant i-ˈlü-mə-nənt How to pronounce illuminant (audio)
: an illuminating device or substance

Examples of illuminant in a Sentence

at the time, a spermaceti candle was the brightest indoor illuminant available
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Distilling rock oil produced multiple interesting compounds, one of which looked like an ideal illuminant. Charles R. Morris, WSJ, 21 June 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of illuminant was in 1644

Dictionary Entries Near illuminant

Cite this Entry

“Illuminant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illuminant. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

illuminant

noun
il·​lu·​mi·​nant -nənt How to pronounce illuminant (audio)
: an illuminating device or substance (as for a microscope)
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