noun
luminary
LOO-mih-nair-ee/ˈluːmɪneri/
Something that gives light to its surroundings.
The oil lamp is a luminary, casting light over the table.
Etymology
A luminare was something that gave light, such as a lamp or heavenly body. English extended this image to spiritual exemplars and, later, notable people.
In context
he was still very much a leading luminary in Stratford, being one of 71 local notables who contributed their own money towards the promotion of a bill
More examples
- A single candle serves as the room's only luminary.
- The moon is the only luminary above the dark valley.
- Through the telescope, we see countless distant luminaries.
Forms
luminary · luminaries
luminous adjective — Giving off or reflecting visible light.