noun

illumination

ih-loo-mih-NAY-shun/ɪˌluːmɪˈneɪʃn/

Light that reveals something to sight.

The desk lamp provides enough illumination to read comfortably.

A warm hanging lamp casts useful light over a desk in an otherwise dim room.

Etymology

ilLatininto

+luminLatinlight

+ationLatinaction or process

The pieces convey bringing something “into light.” The resulting noun names lighting up, connecting directly to the light supplied to make an object or place visible.

In context

Whaling Museum10:55

the illumination should be kept below 150 lux or lumen per square meter with the ultraviolet component restricted to 75 microwatts per lumen

Lecture: Caring for Bone and Ivory Objects

More examples

Soft illumination from the hallway reveals the outline of the door.
This tiny bulb provides surprisingly bright illumination.
Without adequate illumination, the steps are hard to see.

Forms

illumination

illuminate verb — To provide light so something becomes visible.

Similar words

lighting: Emphasizes the arrangement or use of lights in a space.
light: Names the visible energy itself, without emphasizing what it reveals.