Definition of illumine

The word "illumine" derives from the Latin root "lumen," which means light or brightness. The word originally referred to the process of painting decorative designs or letters onto parchment or vellum using a specialized technique called miniature illumination. During the Middle Ages, illuminated manuscripts were produced by scribes who would copy religious texts by hand. These manuscripts often had intricate designs and illustrations painted by illuminators, who were specially trained artists. The process of illuminating a manuscript involved applying thin layers of gold or other brightly colored pigments onto the parchment using quills, brushes, or other tools. The illuminated letters and designs were often highlighted with gold leaf, which made them stand out against the darker background. Today, the word "illumine" is most commonly used as a verb to describe the process of filling a space with light or definition, usually through knowledge or understanding. In this sense, illumination can refer to a spiritual or intellectual awakening or realization, as opposed to the literal process of painting or adorning text. In short, the origin of the word "illumine" can be traced back to the artistic tradition of creating decorated manuscripts, but its meaning has evolved over time to encompass a broader concept of enlightenment or clarity.