英和和英

別の表記

• light-bulb, lightbulb

語源

light +‎ bulb First attested in 1885.

発音

• IPA^(key): /ˈlaɪtˌbʌlb/

名詞

light bulb (複数形 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. (figurative) Used in reference to the sudden arrival of a realization, an inspiration, an idea, or the like.

   a light bulb moment

   • 1949, Forbes‎^[1], 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.‎^[2], 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

• light bulb joke
• light-bulb moment

Further reading

• electric light on Wikipedia.

語源 2

Calque on Cantonese 电灯泡 (diàn dēng pào), as though the third person is a light bulb in the background.

発音

• (英国用法, 米国用法) IPA^(key): /ˈlaɪtˌbʌlb/

名詞

lightbulb (複数形 lightbulbs)

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

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

   • 2014, Chris Soh, "[2]", 20 Words That Mean Something Completely Different to Singaporeans, 3 August 2014:

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

   • 2014, carolcraves, "[3]", 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