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v. il·lus·trat·ed, il·lus·trat·ing, il·lus·trates v.tr. 1. a. To clarify or explain, as by the use of examples or comparisons: The mayor illustrated the problem with an anecdote. b. To serve as an example or clarification of: a story that illustrates a broader social problem. 2. To provide (a text) with explanatory or decorative images: illustrated the book with colorful drawings. 3. Obsolete To light up; illuminate. v.intr. To present a clarification, example, or explanation. [Latin illūstrāre, illūstrāt- : in-, in; see IN-2 + lūstrāre, to make bright; see leuk- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] illus·trat′a·ble adj. illus·tra′tor n. |
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