opacity
noun
opac·i·ty
ō-ˈpa-sə-tē 
plural opacities
1
a
: obscurity of sense : unintelligibility
b
: the quality or state of being mentally obtuse : dullness
2
: the quality or state of a body that makes it impervious to the rays of light
broadly
: the relative capacity of matter to obstruct the transmission of radiant energy
3
: an opaque spot in a normally transparent structure (such as the lens of the eye)
Examples of opacity in a Sentence
the opacity of the glass
Critics have noted the opacity of her writing style.
Recent Examples on the Web
These lighter tones help soften its opacity while allowing its richness to shine through.
—
Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2025
Beijing’s opacity, fragmented policymaking, and continual fusion of state, commercial, and strategic motives have thus created a self-reinforcing cycle.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The niche tiles used by domino artists come in a rainbow of colors and various opacities.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 15 Dec. 2025
The first step in your outfit planning is to decide on the opacity of your tights themselves.
—Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opacity
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Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2025
Beijing’s opacity, fragmented policymaking, and continual fusion of state, commercial, and strategic motives have thus created a self-reinforcing cycle.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The niche tiles used by domino artists come in a rainbow of colors and various opacities.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 15 Dec. 2025
The first step in your outfit planning is to decide on the opacity of your tights themselves.
—Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opacity
Cite this Entry
“Opacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opacity. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
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Medical Definition
opacity
noun
opac·i·ty
ō-ˈpas-ət-ē
plural opacities
1
: the quality or state of a body that makes it impervious to the rays of light
broadly
: the relative capacity of matter to obstruct by absorption or reflection the transmission of radiant energy (as X-rays, infrared radiation, or sound)
2
: an opaque spot in a normally transparent structure (as the lens of the eye)
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