luminary

American  

[loo-muh-ner-ee] / ˈlu məˌnɛr i /

noun

luminaries plural

1. a celestial body, such as the sun or moon.

2. a body, object, etc., that gives light.

3. a person who has attained eminence in their field or is an inspiration to others.

   The book was written by one of the luminaries in the field of medical science.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by light.

luminary British  

/ ˈluːmɪnərɪ /

noun

1. a person who enlightens or influences others

2. a famous person

3. literary something, such as the sun or moon, that gives off light

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adjective

1. of, involving, or characterized by light or enlightenment

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• luminaries
  plural

Etymology

Origin of luminary

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English luminarye, from Medieval Latin lūmināria “lamp”; see luminaria

Explanation

In scientific writing, Stephen J. Hawking is a luminary. People look up to this well-known scientist and author for his knowledge and insight. Although luminary can mean an object or celestial body that gives off light, you'll often hear people talk about parties at which there were many luminaries in attendance. In this case, luminary means celebrity or well-known person in sports or politics, science or the arts. Think of them as being bright lights that make a party sparkle.

Related Words

• celebrity
• dignitary
• notable
• personage
• superstar