The word for today is…

luminary (noun) –

1 : a person of prominence or brilliant achievement
2 : a body that gives light

Source : Merriam -Webster

Etymology : Allow us to shed some light on “luminary.” It came to English by way of Anglo-French and Late Latin, and it traces back to the Latin word lumen, meaning “light.” Other “lumen” descendants in English include “illuminate” (to light up), “luminous” (emitting light) and “phillumenist” (one who collects matchbooks or matchbox labels). “Luminary” has been shining its light in English since the 15th century.

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David is a retired surgeon originally from London who came to New Zealand twenty-seven years ago after being delayed in Singapore for thirteen years on leaving the UK. He was coerced into studying Latin...