lantern
UK: ˈlæntən | US: ˈlæntərn
n. a portable light source with a protective enclosure, typically made of glass or paper and containing a candle or lamp.
n. (architecture) a structure with openings for light, often crowning a dome or roof.
lantern = lant<light> + ern<noun suffix>
- lant<light>: Derived from Latin lanterna (later lanthorn in Middle English), itself borrowed from Greek lampter (torch, lamp), related to lampein (to shine).
- ern<noun suffix>: A simplified ending in English, likely influenced by Old French lanterne.
Etymology Origin:
The word "lantern" traces back to Greek lampter (torch), passing through Latin lanterna and Old French lanterne. The spelling shifted in Middle English due to folk etymology, mistakenly associating it with "horn" (as early lanterns used translucent animal horn). The morpheme lant preserves the core idea of light, while -ern reflects a common noun-ending adaptation in English.
She carried a paper lantern to light the path during the festival.
The lighthouse’s lantern room was visible for miles.
Medieval monks used lanterns to illuminate manuscripts at night.
The lantern flickered as the candle inside burned low.
A glass lantern hung above the porch, casting a warm glow.