v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Illustrated p. pr. & vb. n. Illustrating ] [ L. illustratus, p. p. of illustrare to illustrate, fr. illustris bright. See Illustrious. ] 1. To make clear, bright, or luminous. [ 1913 Webster ]

Here, when the moon illustrates all the sky. Chapman. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To set in a clear light; to exhibit distinctly or conspicuously. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

To prove him, and illustrate his high worth. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To make clear, intelligible, or apprehensible; to elucidate, explain, or exemplify, as by means of figures, comparisons, and examples. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To adorn with pictures, as a book or a subject; to elucidate with pictures, as a history or a romance. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To give renown or honor to; to make illustrious; to glorify. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Matter to me of glory, whom their hate
Illustrates. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. illustratus, p. p. ] Illustrated; distinguished; illustrious. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

This most gallant, illustrate, and learned gentleman. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. provided with pictures; -- of a publication; as, an illustrated weekly. Opposite of unillustrated. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ L. illustratio: cf. F. illustration. ] 1. The act of illustrating; the act of making clear and distinct; education; also, the state of being illustrated, or of being made clear and distinct. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which illustrates; a comparison or example intended to make clear or apprehensible, or to remove obscurity. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A picture designed to decorate a volume or elucidate a literary work. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Tending or designed to illustrate, exemplify, or elucidate. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Making illustrious. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. By way of illustration or elucidation. [ R. ] Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. ] One who illustrates. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Serving to illustrate. [ 1913 Webster ]