illustration Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun artwork that helps make something clear or attractive
  2. noun showing by example
    exemplification.
  3. noun an item of information that is typical of a class or group
    instance; example; representative.
    • this patient provides a typical example of the syndrome
    • there is an example on page 10
  4. noun a visual representation (a picture or diagram) that is used make some subject more pleasing or easier to understand

WordNet

Il`lus*tra"tion noun
Etymology
L. illustratio: cf. F. illustration.
Definitions
  1. The act of illustrating; the act of making clear and distinct; education; also, the state of being illustrated, or of being made clear and distinct.
  2. That which illustrates; a comparison or example intended to make clear or apprehensible, or to remove obscurity.
  3. A picture designed to decorate a volume or elucidate a literary work.

Webster 1913