as in lamp
something that provides illumination
at the time, a spermaceti candle was the brightest indoor illuminant available
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Recent Examples of illuminant
Related Stories For the Judge LED, users can choose seven light sources from a selection of different temperatures that fit industry standards, including a directional daylight output with the standard illuminant D65.
—
Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 16 Jan. 2025
Distilling rock oil produced multiple interesting compounds, one of which looked like an ideal illuminant.
—Charles R. Morris, WSJ, 21 June 2018
Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 16 Jan. 2025
Distilling rock oil produced multiple interesting compounds, one of which looked like an ideal illuminant.
—Charles R. Morris, WSJ, 21 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminant
Noun
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To overturn them, the next president needs only to rub the same genie’s lamp.—
Abby McCloskey,
Twin Cities,
5 Feb. 2026
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Uma suggests Target's mod touch-sensor lamp and ceramic table lamp or Wayfair's petal lamp, which all add shape and color.—
Melissa Epifano,
The Spruce,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Auroral arcs form when fast-moving electrons, juiced by Alfvén waves, hit atoms in our atmosphere, releasing light in towering bands.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
8 Feb. 2026
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Afternoon light sweeps across the terrace, casting long shadows along arches and curved walls.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The other big hit for me was Spellbound by Magic Castle, an experience inspired by the legendary magician Cardini (Richard Valentine Pitchford) that replicates a 1920s speakeasy complete with mood lighting, furnishings, and curiosities from Hollywood’s Magic Castle.—
Fran Golden,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
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Sunshine bounced in through the plantation shutters, providing excellent lighting to compliment the subtle coastal décor.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Use air fresheners, burn a scented candle, open the windows, sprinkle baking soda on carpets, set out a bowl of vinegar, or clean with scented cleansers.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
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Brass had its moment, but our experts say to leave behind the sleek metal and instead mix textures, patterns, finishes, and materials by adding this under-$30 rattan lamp and these pretty candle holders into your decor.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminant. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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