luminary

UK: ˈluːmɪnəri | US: ˈluːmɪneri

Definition

  1. n. a person who inspires or influences others, especially in a particular field

  2. n. a natural light-giving body, such as the sun or moon (archaic)

  3. n. an artificial light source (rare)

Structure
lumin <light>ary <noun suffix denoting person/thing>
Etymology

Derived from Latin luminare ("light, lamp"), which stems from lumen ("light"). The suffix -ary (from Latin -arius) denotes association or function. Originally used for celestial bodies (e.g., sun/moon), the term evolved metaphorically to describe "enlightened" individuals by the 17th century, reflecting their role as intellectual or moral beacons.

Examples

  1. Einstein remains a luminary in the field of theoretical physics.

  2. Medieval scholars regarded Aristotle as a luminary of wisdom.

  3. The conference gathered luminaries from the tech industry.

  4. In ancient texts, the moon was called the "lesser luminary."

  5. Her mentorship made her a luminary for young scientists.