Main Entry: di·aph·a·nous

Pronunciation: \dī-ˈa-fə-nəs\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Medieval Latin diaphanus, from Greek diaphanēs, from diaphainein to show through, from dia- + phainein to show — more at fancy

Date: 1614

1 : characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through <diaphanous fabrics>
2 : characterized by extreme delicacy of form : ethereal <painted diaphanous landscapes>
3 : insubstantial, vague <had only a diaphanous hope of success>

— di·aph·a·nous·ly adverb

— di·aph·a·nous·ness noun