English edit

Etymology edit

Named after Edward W Very, a 19th-century US naval officer.

Pronunciation edit

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈvɛɹi lʌɪt/
  • Hyphenation: Very light

Noun edit

Very light (plural Very lights)

  1. A type of pyrotechnic flare used as a signal or temporary illumination.
    • 1974, John Le Carré, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Folio Society, published 2009, pages 266–7:
      Flares exploded, Very lights went up, even tracer, and as Jim raced the Fiat down the track he had the impression of leaving a military tattoo at its climax.

Hypernyms edit

Related terms edit