verb
illuminate
To decorate a manuscript or page with gold, colors, or designs.
The artist illuminates the manuscript's opening page with gold and color.
Etymology
The Latin verb means to light up. Gold and vivid color made manuscript pages appear radiant, giving the decorating practice the name illumination.
More examples
- Medieval artists illuminated manuscripts with elaborate borders and painted initials.
- She is illuminating each capital letter with tiny flowers.
- We learn to illuminate a page using gold leaf.
Forms
illuminate · illuminates · illuminated · illuminating
illuminator noun — An artist who decorates manuscripts with designs.
illumination noun — Decorative artwork in a manuscript or book.