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diaphanous

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

diaphanous

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

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