Definition of: illustrate

(il′əs·trāt, i·lus′trāt) v.t. ·trat·ed, ·trat·ing
1. To explain or make clear by means of figures, examples, etc.; exemplify.
2. To furnish with drawings, pictures, etc., for decoration or explanation, as a book or article.
3. Obs. To make luminous or bright.
4. Obs. To make illustrious. See synonyms under ADORN. [<L illustratus, pp. of illustrare light up <in- thoroughly + lustrare illuminate]
—il′lus·tra′tor noun