lattice

noun

lat·​tice ˈla-təs 

1

a

: a framework or structure of crossed wood or metal strips

b

: a window, door, or gate having a lattice

c

: a network or design resembling a lattice

2

: a regular geometrical arrangement of points or objects over an area or in space

specifically : the arrangement of atoms in a crystal

3

: a mathematical set that has some elements ordered and that is such that for any two elements there exists a greatest element in the subset of all elements less than or equal to both and a least element in the subset of all elements greater than or equal to both

lattice transitive verb

latticed

ˈla-tist 

adjective

Examples of lattice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers successfully produced previously unseen crystal lattices through natural molecular deformation. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Fold overhang up and over lattice so crust is flush with edges of pan and crimp as desired with lightly floured fingers. — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Nov. 2026

Apple's backlit Magic Keyboard comes standard on all MacBooks and uses a lattice/chiclet layout. — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026

At low enough temperatures, Cooper pairs appear as a consequence of ripples passing through the lattice. — Sven Badoux, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English latis, from Anglo-French latiz

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing lattice

• lattice girder
• space lattice

Rhymes for lattice

• flatus
• gratis
• rattus
• satis
• status
• stratus
• apparatus
• superlattice
• beatus

Kids Definition

lattice

noun

lat·​tice ˈlat-əs 

1

a

: a framework or structure of crossed wood or metal strips

b

: a window, door, or gate having a lattice

2

: an arrangement of points or objects that is evenly spaced over an area or throughout a volume

the lattice of atoms in a crystal

latticed

-əst 

adjective

Medical Definition

lattice

noun

lat·​tice ˈlat-əs 

: a regular geometrical arrangement of points or objects over an area or in space: as

a

: the geometrical arrangement of atoms in a crystal

called also space lattice

b

: a geometrical arrangement of fissionable material in a nuclear reactor