Word Meaning
नूर
noor
Meaning
Light, radiance, luminosity, luster, or brightness (especially of eyesight or the face).
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetry, 'noor' primarily denotes radiant light, spiritual brilliance, or the vitality of vision. In the provided couplet, it specifically refers to the eyesight or luster of the eyes, which diminishes once the tears (analogized to lamp oil) dry up. The loss of 'noor' signifies both physical blindness and the extinguishing of inner life.
Etymology
Arabic origin from the triconsonantal root n-w-r (ن-و-ر), meaning light or brightness.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'noor' frequently describes divine radiance, the glowing beauty of the beloved's face, or the luminous sight of the eyes.
Examples
The light of her countenance illumined the entire gathering.
With the fading of youth, the luster vanished from his eyes.