translucent

adjective

trans·​lu·​cent tran(t)s-ˈlü-sᵊnt How to pronounce translucent (audio)
tranz-
1
: permitting the passage of light:
a
: transmitting and diffusing light so that objects beyond cannot be seen clearly
b
: clear, transparent
translucent water
2
: free from disguise or falseness
his translucent patriotismNewsweek
translucently adverb

Did you know?

Let’s shine a light on translucent and a couple of its relatives. Look closely and you will see the same group of three letters in translucent, elucidate, and lucid, illuminating the family relationship between the three words. All descend from the Latin word lucēre, meaning "to shine." Translucent is from lucēre plus trans-, which means "through"—hence, something translucent allows light to pass through. To elucidate something is to metaphorically shine a light on it by explaining it clearly; a lucid person is able to think clearly, and lucid writing is easy to understand. We hope this light explainer helps clarify things.

Choose the Right Synonym for translucent

clear, transparent, translucent, limpid mean capable of being seen through.

clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

Examples of translucent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The material became the perfect solution for a corner that didn’t have walls, acting as a translucent partition to section off their space. Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 24 Oct. 2024 But Dalla Ragione points me to what looks like a small bunch of translucent marbles in Jesus’s tiny hand: cherries! Mark Schapiro, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024 Your fingernails and toenails are translucent (colorless) because the nail matrix—the area at the base of nails responsible for growing nails—usually contains dormant melanocytes that do not produce pigment. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 10 Oct. 2024 Far less theatrical than some of his more memorable fashion shoots, such as those in which models appear suspended above Paris in translucent spheres, the home is imbued with a relaxed traditional style. Mark David, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for translucent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'translucent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin translucent-, translucens, present participle of translucēre to shine through, from trans- + lucēre to shine — more at light

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of translucent was in 1568

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Dictionary Entries Near translucent

Cite this Entry

“Translucent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/translucent. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

translucent

adjective
trans·​lu·​cent tran(t)s-ˈlüs-ᵊnt How to pronounce translucent (audio)
tranz-
1
: clear and pure as if shining from within
a translucent lake
2
: not transparent but clear enough to allow light to pass through
frosted glass is translucent

Medical Definition

translucent

adjective
trans·​lu·​cent -ᵊnt How to pronounce translucent (audio)
: permitting the passage of light
especially : transmitting and diffusing light so that objects beyond cannot be seen clearly
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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