lantern

[ lan-tern ]
/ ˈlæn tərn /

noun

a transparent or translucent, usually portable, case for enclosing a light and protecting it from the wind, rain, etc.
the chamber at the top of a lighthouse, surrounding the light.
Architecture.
  1. a tall, more or less open construction admitting light to an enclosed area below.
  2. any light, decorative structure of relatively small size crowning a roof, dome, etc.
  3. an open-sided structure on a roof to let out smoke or to assist ventilation.
a light, usually over the entrance to an elevator on each floor of a multistory building, that signals the approach of the elevator.

Origin of lantern

1250–1300; Middle English lanterne < Latin lanterna (< Etruscan) < Greek lamptḗr lamp, light

Example sentences from the Web for lantern

British Dictionary definitions for lantern

lantern
/ (ˈlæntən) /

noun

a light with a transparent or translucent protective case
a structure on top of a dome or roof having openings or windows to admit light or air
the upper part of a lighthouse that houses the light
photog short for magic lantern

Word Origin for lantern

C13: from Latin lanterna, from Greek lamptēr lamp, from lampein to shine