Lantern: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฎ
lantern
[หlรฆn.tษrn ]
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.
|
| lamp |
Commonly used to describe a stationary light source in homes or offices, like a table lamp or a floor lamp.
|
| light |
A general term for any source of illumination, can be natural (sunlight) or artificial (light bulbs).
|
| 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.
|
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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "lantern" in other languages:
๐ต๐น lanterna
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฒเคพเคฒเคเฅเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Laterne
๐ฎ๐ฉ lentera
๐บ๐ฆ ะปัั ัะฐั
๐ต๐ฑ latarnia
๐ฏ๐ต ใฉใณใฟใณ
๐ซ๐ท lanterne
๐ช๐ธ linterna
๐น๐ท fener
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ํด
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุงููุณ
๐จ๐ฟ lucerna
๐ธ๐ฐ lampรกลก
๐จ๐ณ ็ฏ็ฌผ (dฤnglรณng)
๐ธ๐ฎ lanterna
๐ฎ๐ธ ljรณsker
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถะฐััาัะฐะผ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ fษnษr
๐ฒ๐ฝ linterna