[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

illustrate \illus"trate\, v. t. imp.  p. p. illustrated; p.
   pr.  vb. n. illustrating. l. illustratus, p. p. of
   illustrare to illustrate, fr. illustris bright. see
   illustrious.
   1. to make clear, bright, or luminous.
      1913 webster

            here, when the moon illustrates all the sky.
                                                  --chapman.
      1913 webster

   2. to set in a clear light; to exhibit distinctly or
      conspicuously. --shak.
      1913 webster

            to prove him, and illustrate his high worth.
                                                  --milton.
      1913 webster

   3. to make clear, intelligible, or apprehensible; to
      elucidate, explain, or exemplify, as by means of figures,
      comparisons, and examples.
      1913 webster

   4. to adorn with pictures, as a book or a subject; to
      elucidate with pictures, as a history or a romance.
      1913 webster

   5. to give renown or honor to; to make illustrious; to
      glorify. obs.
      1913 webster

            matter to me of glory, whom their hate
            illustrates.                          --milton.
      1913 webster
see also:
illustrated illustrating illustrious 

Illustrating >> I Words
Illustrating, definition of term: Illustrating
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