A
flashlight (more often called a
torch outside North America) is a portable hand-held electric light. Usually, the source of the light is a small
incandescent light bulb or
light-emitting diode (LED). A typical flashlight consists of a light bulb mounted in a reflector, a transparent cover (sometimes combined with a
lens) to protect the light source and reflector, a
battery, and a
switch. These are supported and protected by a case.