lantern
[ lan-tern ]
/ ˈlæn tərn /
noun
a transparent or translucent, usually portable, case for enclosing a light and protecting it from the wind, rain, etc.
the chamber at the top of a lighthouse, surrounding the light.
Architecture.
- a tall, more or less open construction admitting light to an enclosed area below.
- any light, decorative structure of relatively small size crowning a roof, dome, etc.
- an open-sided structure on a roof to let out smoke or to assist ventilation.
a light, usually over the entrance to an elevator on each floor of a multistory building, that signals the approach of the elevator.
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Origin of lantern
1250–1300; Middle English lanterne < Latin lanterna (< Etruscan) < Greek lamptḗr lamp, light
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for lantern
British Dictionary definitions for lantern
lantern
/ (ˈlæntən) /
noun
a light with a transparent or translucent protective case
a structure on top of a dome or roof having openings or windows to admit light or air
the upper part of a lighthouse that houses the light
photog short for magic lantern
Word Origin for lantern
C13: from Latin lanterna, from Greek lamptēr lamp, from lampein to shine
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for lantern
lantern
mid-13c., from Old French lanterne "lamp, lantern, light" (12c.), from Latin lanterna "lantern, lamp, torch," altered (by influence of Latin lucerna "lamp") from Greek lampter "torch," from lampein "to shine" (see lamp). Variant lanthorn (16c.-19c.) was folk etymology based on the common use of horn as a translucent cover. Lantern-jaws "hollow, long cheeks" is from a resemblance noted since at least mid-14c.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper