Lantern Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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lantern
[ˈlæn.tərn ]
Definitions
light source
A lantern is a portable light source, typically featuring a protective enclosure to prevent the flame from being extinguished by wind or rain. Lanterns have been used for centuries for illumination, signaling, and decoration.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lantern |
Used for portable or decorative lighting, often carried during camping or for traditional festivals.
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| lamp |
Commonly used to describe a stationary light source in homes or offices, like a table lamp or a floor lamp.
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| light |
A general term for any source of illumination, can be natural (sunlight) or artificial (light bulbs).
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| torch |
Primarily used to describe a handheld, portable source of light, often battery-powered. In British English, it is the term used for a flashlight.
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Examples of usage
- Lanterns were commonly used in the past for lighting the way in the dark.
- The campers hung a lantern outside their tent to provide some light.
housing for a light bulb
In architecture, a lantern is a small structure on the top of a dome or a roof that provides natural light to the space below. It usually contains windows or glass panels to allow light to enter.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lantern |
Could also refer to a structure on top of a roof or dome that allows light to come through, though this use is less common and can be confused with other definitions.
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| skylight |
Used to refer to a window installed in a roof or ceiling to admit natural light, often found in homes, offices, and other buildings to brighten interior spaces.
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| cupola |
Generally used in architectural contexts to describe a small, dome-like structure on top of a building, often serving as a lookout or to provide light and air.
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| dome |
Usually used in architecture to describe a large, rounded roof or ceiling that can cover a wide space, often seen in churches, capitol buildings, and sports arenas.
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Examples of usage
- The cathedral's dome features a beautiful lantern that lets in sunlight.
- The modern house design includes a lantern to bring in natural light.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Usage
- Lanterns have been used since ancient times, with some of the earliest examples found in Roman artifacts.
- During the Middle Ages, lanterns were often made from metal and glass to protect the flame from wind and rain.
- They became popular for street lighting in cities, helping people navigate dark streets at night.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, lanterns are symbols of celebration, such as during the Lantern Festival in China, marking the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
- In Japan, paper lanterns are commonly used during summer festivals, creating beautiful displays of light in the night sky.
Science
- Modern lanterns can use batteries or solar power, showcasing advances in technology for portable light.
- The principle of light diffusion in lanterns helps spread light evenly, which is key for providing visibility in dark spaces.
Art and Literature
- Lantern imagery appears frequently in poetry and literature, often symbolizing hope and guidance in darkness.
- Artists often depict lanterns as a source of warmth and light in their paintings, evoking feelings of safety and illumination.
Origin of 'lantern'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'lantern' originates from the Latin word 'lanterna,' which means 'light' or 'torch.'
- In Middle English, it was referred to as 'lanterne,' still keeping the connection to light sources in its name.
The word 'lantern' originated from the Middle English word 'lanterne', which came from the Old French 'lanterne', ultimately derived from the Latin word 'lanterna'. Lanterns have been used by various civilizations throughout history for different purposes, from providing light in the darkness to serving as decorative pieces. They have evolved over time to include various designs and materials, but their fundamental role as a light source remains unchanged.