what is illumination?

Answer 1

All depends on the context.
dictionarie: The act of illuminating, or supplying with light; the state of being illuminated.
Festive decoration of houses or buildings with lights.
Adornment of books and manuscripts with colored illustrations.

You can find more here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illumination

Answer 2

Illumination:
1. - The act of illuminating. (see below)
- The state of being illuminated. (see below)
2. A source of light.
3. Decorative lighting.
4. Spiritual or intellectual enlightenment.
5. Clarification; elucidation.
6. - The art or act of decorating a text, page, or initial letter with ornamental designs, miniatures, or lettering.
- An example of this art.
7. Physics. The luminous flux per unit area at any point on a surface exposed to incident light. Also called illuminance.



To illuminate:
1. To provide or brighten with light.
2. To decorate or hang with lights.
3. To make understandable; clarify: “Cleverly made attacks can . . . serve to illuminate important differences between candidates” (New Republic).
4. To enlighten intellectually or spiritually; enable to understand.
5. To endow with fame or splendor; celebrate.
6. To adorn (a page of a book, for example) with ornamental designs, miniatures, or lettering in brilliant colors or precious metals.
7. To expose to or reveal by radiation.

Answer 3

Lighting includes both artificial light sources such as lamps and natural illumination of interiors from daylight. Lighting represents a major component of energy consumption, accounting for a significant part of all energy consumed worldwide. Artificial lighting is provided today by electric lights, but previously by Gas lighting, candles or oil lamps. Proper lighting can enhance task performance or aesthetics, while there can be energy wastage and adverse health effects of lighting. Indoor lighting is a form of fixture or furnishing, and a key part of interior design. Lighting can also be an intrinsic component of landscaping.

Answer 4

illumination is an old calligraphy technique - ornate lettering, they were used in old manuscripts with coloured inks usually red and blue, yellow and gold foil.
Generally the first letter of a page was in illumination technique, illumination was also applied to borders