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.
âº to shine with a weak light or a light that is not continuous: The lights of the village were glimmering in the distance. The sky glimmered with stars. a glimmering candle. Thesaurus: synonyms and related words. Giving out light. alight. blink.