n. [ L. illuminatio: cf. F. illumination. ] 1. The act of illuminating, or supplying with light; the state of being illuminated. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Festive decoration of houses or buildings with lights. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Adornment of books and manuscripts with colored illustrations. See Illuminate, v. t., 3. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. That which is illuminated, as a house; also, an ornamented book or manuscript. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. That which illuminates or gives light; brightness; splendor; especially, intellectual light or knowledge. [ 1913 Webster ] The illumination which a bright genius giveth to his work. Felton. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. (Theol.) The special communication of knowledge to the mind by God; inspiration. [ 1913 Webster ] Hymns and psalms . . . are framed by meditation beforehand, or by prophetical illumination are inspired. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
