light bulbとは 意味・読み方・使い方

語源

From light +‎ bulb First attested in 1885.

発音

• IPA: /ˈlaɪtˌbʌlb/

名詞

light bulb (plural light bulbs)

1. An evacuated glass bulb containing a metal filament which is heated by electrical resistance to produce light.

   Synonyms: bulb, glow-lamp, incandescent lamp, (Australia) light globe

2. (by extension) An article that resembles such a bulb and converts electricity to light by any process.

   a fluorescent light bulb

   an LED light bulb

3. (figuratively) Used in reference to the sudden arrival of a realization, an inspiration, an idea, or the like.

   a light-bulb moment

   • 1949, Forbes‎, volume 64, page 18:

     Figuratively speaking, a light-bulb flashed over Galvin's head early this year, and in March–along […]

   • 2010, Sandy Abrams, Your Idea, Inc.‎, Abrams Media, →ISBN, page xi:

     A light bulb went off in my head as I had an incredible idea for a beauty product.

派生語

Further reading

• electric light on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

名詞

lightbulb (plural lightbulbs)

1. Alternative spelling of light bulb
   • 2003 July 6, Edward Tenner, “'Our Own Devices'”, in The New York Times‎:

     A young orangutan in the San Diego Zoo became famous for unbolting the screening of his crib, removing the wires, and moving through the zoo nursery, unscrewing lightbulbs.

語源 2

Calque from Cantonese 電燈泡／电灯泡 (din6 dang1 paau1), as though the third person is a light bulb in the background.

発音

• (英国発音, 米国発音) IPA: /ˈlaɪtˌbʌlb/

名詞

lightbulb (plural lightbulbs)

1. (Singapore, colloquial) An uninvited third person joining a couple's date who prevents or hinders romantic interactions.
   • 2011 October 23, Heidy The Traveler, Learn Singlish a Bit!:

     You two go ahead lah, I don't want to be lightbulb.

   • 2014 August 3, Chris Soh, 20 Words That Mean Something Completely Different to Singaporeans:

     When she finally came out her friend joined us. Damn lightbulb leh!

   • 2014, carolcraves, "[2]", Twitter, 31 January 2014:

     Being an extra big light bulb and eating with two cousins and their husband and fiance.

同意語

• gooseberry
• third wheel