DCHP-3

tri-light

DCHP-2 (Jun 2016)

Spelling variants:
trilight

n. — rare; often in compounds, e.g. trilight bulb or trilight lamp

a lightbulb or lamp with three settings of varying brightness (see Image 1).

Type: 1. Origin — In other locations, the term used to describe this type of lamp or bulb is "three way lamp" or "three way bulb". A trilight lamp uses a trilight bulb. According to comparative database and internet searches, the term is of Canadian origin and is most prevalent in Canada (see Chart 1).
See also COD-2, s.v. "trilight", which is marked "Cdn".

Quotations

1986
It's negative thinking, Sparky Anderson was insisting the other day, that good baseball teams are constructed like tri-light lamp bulbs - with built-in obsolescence.
1989
Because full brightness of 100-watt bulbs is required only some of the time, you can use dimmers and tri-light switches to reduce the electricity used and prolong the life of the bulbs.
1991
function - will they fill your special needs? (floor, table, tri-light, swing-arm, etc.)
2007
This tri-light uses 18/26/34 watts, but provides light similar to a 50/100/150-watt incandescent bulb.
2013
The Canadiens wanted exactly that. And perhaps they wanted a little less P.K. Subban, too. If he was a glowing trilight bulb in his first two seasons in the NHL, perhaps now they wanted him on the second turn of the switch, not the third.
2016
Most rooms benefit from floor, table and ceiling lights. Identify the dark spots in your room and add the light source best suited for the area. Whether it's a chandelier, table lamps, pot lights or floor lamps, use dimmers and tri-light bulbs where possible.

References

  • COD-2

Images

Image 1: A Philips <i>trilight</i> bulb. Source: http://www.homedepot.ca/product/11-23-34-watt-trilight-soft-white/917987

Image 1: A Philips trilight bulb. Source: http://www.homedepot.ca/product/11-23-34-watt-trilight-soft-white/917987

Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 10 May 2013

Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 10 May 2013