Penlights

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A small handheld flashlight that conveniently fits in most bags or pockets for easy use
2. A portable light source often used in medical examinations to check pupils or other small areas
3. A compact electronic device that emits light and is useful for various tasks, such as reading or signaling in dark conditions

Etymology: "Penlights" is simply the plural of "penlight," a compound formed from "pen" and "light." The "light" half traces back through Middle English and Old English "lēoht" to an ancient Germanic root, while the "pen" half is the familiar English word for a writing instrument, so the name describes the object's shape: a slim, pen-sized torch. The combination reflects a practical point about the device. Its name compares it to a writing pen because it is similarly narrow and easy to carry, so the compound joins two everyday words to describe a compact light source.

Synonyms: flashlights, torches