Best Answer: A PhD is a research based degree. Physicians are MDs, Medical Doctors or DOs, Osteopathic Doctors. So to become a physician, you do not need a PhD. Generally, PhDs are awarded in fields outside of medicine. Also, while NPs and Physician Assistants can prescribe medication, they only practice under the supervision of an MD or DO. That is, there are only two types of doctor.
Princeton's WordNet(4.75 / 4 votes)Rate this definition: 1  light, illumination(noun) a condition of spiritual awareness; divine illumination. 2  illumination(noun) the degree of visibility of your environment. 3  clarification, elucidation, illumination(noun) an interpretation that removes obstacles to understanding.
Defined as the instant in the morning, when the centre of the Sun is at a depression angle of six degrees (6Â°) below an ideal horizon. At this time in the absence of moonlight, artificial lighting or adverse atmospheric conditions, the illumination is such that large objects may be seen but no detail is discernible.