translucent

adjective

trans·​lu·​cent tran(t)s-ˈlü-sᵊnt 

tranz-

1

: permitting the passage of light:

a

: transmitting and diffusing light so that objects beyond cannot be seen clearly

a translucent plastic

b

: clear, transparent

translucent water

2

: free from disguise or falseness

His translucent patriotism …

—Newsweek

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

Lower the heat to medium-high and cook, gently stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and a paring knife easily pierces a potato, about 15 minutes. —C.w. Cameron, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026

Made from the same acrylic as Paksa’s signature clear sculptures, the duo’s translucent chairs and shelving units look ready for the pages of Domus. —Daniel R. Quiles, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026

How To Remove Oil Spots Oils can stain frosted glass and leave very obvious translucent spots. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026

In the ones my kids own, translucent plastic pieces tumble into new designs as the barrel rotates, creating patterns that, after periods of hesitation, click into place. —Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for translucent

• lucent
• radiolucent

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Kids Definition

translucent

adjective

trans·​lu·​cent tran(t)s-ˈlüs-ᵊnt 

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 

: permitting the passage of light

especially : transmitting and diffusing light so that objects beyond cannot be seen clearly