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light source

light source

12 3.0
A thing like a lamp or candle that makes a place bright so you can see
  • noun
  • /laɪt sɔrs/
translation icon : fuente de luz
  • One typically uses a light source that has a carefully controlled spectrum.
  • synchrotron light source
  • laser light source
  • a main light source

And the lamp is also my light source, so.

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Examples

  • Natural and artificial lights and shadows are generated through five different light source types.

    Academic text (1993)
  • So I have a white light source here, and it hits this and spreads out the light.

  • Just know that the light source needs to be in front of your face because this looks good.

  • What is the light source?

  • Stay near a light source.

  • The position of the light source and the video camera was known for each image.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Look for the best angle to shoot from in relation to the light source.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The typical setup also includes a standard flexible laryngoscope and a light source.

    Academic text (2004)
  • But in educational classrooms today, standard fluorescent lighting is the most frequent light source.

    Academic text (2008)
  • To capture the perfect photograph, ensure your subject is well illuminated by a bright light source.

Synonyms

light
vslight source
1.0

A device like a lamp or bulb that produces light

is a more technical phrase referring to that same producing device
laser
vslight source
  • Specialized
492 3.9

A machine that makes a strong, narrow beam of light used to cut or read codes

is the wider class of devices used simply to illuminate areas
lamp
vslight source
274 1.0

Something that gives light for a room or table

is the general concept covering all devices that give off light
flashlight
vslight source
  • US
246 1.0

A small battery lamp that you hold to make light

covers that device but also larger and nonportable illuminating objects
lantern
vslight source
113 1.0

A small portable light with a clear cover that you can carry or hang

is the wide category including both portable and fixed illuminating objects
emitter
vslight source
73 5.6

A device that gives off light, heat, or sound

is limited to devices used specifically for visual illumination
spotlight
vslight source
49 2.9

A strong focused lamp that lights one person or a small area on stage

is the general idea covering both focused and broad illumination devices
searchlight
vslight source
15 3.9

A strong light that shines a bright beam to find people or things at night

refers more generally to any object that emits light for visibility
electric light
vslight source
9 2.0

A light that gets power from wires, often from a bulb

is the broader category that includes this electrically powered device
strobe light
vslight source
  • Specialized
6 3.7

A light that flashes quickly and regularly to make visual effects

is the general term for devices that continuously emit light
backlight
vslight source
  • Specialized
4 3.7

A light placed behind a screen or object to make it glow

is the general emitting device used in many different positions
room light
vslight source
2 1.0

A lamp that makes a room bright enough to see

refers to any device that emits light, not only room fixtures
illuminator
vslight source
1 5.6

A device or person that gives light to make things visible

is the neutral phrase for the same supplying role
light-emitting diode
vslight source
  • Specialized
1 4.6

A small device that makes light when electricity flows through it, for example in traffic lights and screens

is the broad device class that includes this particular technology
blacklight
vslight source
1 5.1

A lamp that makes some materials glow by using ultraviolet light

is broader and covers devices emitting visible illumination for seeing
source of illumination
vslight source
1 3.9

A thing that gives light so you can see

is the same idea but expressed in more general language
illuminant
vslight source
  • Specialized
1 8.4

Something that gives light, like a lamp or bulb

is the everyday term used for the same supplying function
luminaire
vslight source
  • Specialized
1 7.9

A complete electric light unit that holds a bulb and other parts

is the more general idea of any object that emits light
emanator
vslight source
  • Specialized
8.4

A device that gives off radiation or gas

focuses specifically on producing visible light for seeing
ultraviolet source
vslight source
  • Specialized
6.2

A device that gives off ultraviolet light used for lighting or experiments

focuses on visible illumination and does not restrict wavelength
lucigen
vslight source
  • Specialized
9.9

A material that gives light when you turn it on or add a chemical

is the general device concept, not limited to material-based emission
calcium light
vslight source
  • Archaic
9.9

A very bright stage light made by heating a block of lime with a flame

is the broad category of emitting devices, not tied to that old method

How Bright

Sun
1.0
floodlight
9 3.4
light source
12 3.0
lamp
274 1.0
candle
451 1.0
night-light
10 2.5

Surface Forms

light source singular
light sources plural

Morphology

light + source

The meaning 'a device or object that emits light' is directly and compositionally derivable from combining 'light' (illumination) with 'source' (origin). This noun–noun composition is a common, literal pattern in English and has clear parallels in many languages (e.g. Spanish 'fuente de luz'), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

Light source comes from a simple image: the light coming from a source like the sun or a lamp. So, it means 'a thing that gives light', for example a bulb or a candle used to light a room.