lattice

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noun lat·tice \ˈla-təs\

Definition of lattice

1a : a framework or structure of crossed wood or metal stripsb : a window, door, or gate having a latticec : 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

play \ˈla-tist\ adjective

See lattice defined for English-language learners

See lattice defined for kids

Recent Examples of lattice from the Web

A full package would cost between $2,000 and $3,000 and include steel-lattice walls and a corrugated roof.

— the new york times, NOLA.com, "A Vietnamese architect's easy-to-erect dwelling for the destitute", 5 July 2017
Gone is the Jewish quarter, the markets with their monasteries, and the lattice balconies and sculptured masonry of another Sunni silk road city.

— The Economist, "Islamic State nears its end", 5 July 2017
The 230-kilovolt, dual cycle power lines will be strung from lattice towers along a 130-foot wide right-of-way accessible by a 20-foot road, Hankins noted.

— allan vought, The Aegis, "Big power line project draws fire from northern Harford residents", 15 June 2017
Bake at 400 degrees until juices bubble at the center and lattice turns crisp and brown, 45 to 50 minutes.

— leah eskin, chicagotribune.com, "Get into 'Twin Peaks' return with sweet cherry pie agent Cooper would love", 5 June 2017
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper David Beohm said the oldest child was locked inside a cage made from plywood and lattice.

— melissa chan, Time, "Father Arrested for Locking Toddler in a ‘Homemade Cage,’ Authorities Say", 22 May 2017
Under an atomic microscope, graphene looks like a flat lattice of hexagons in a honeycomb arrangement.

— nicola davison, CNN, "Are we one step closer to being able to use the world's strongest material?", 15 May 2017
The lattice-like look is said to be in homage to the lace on Hallmark’s Valentine’s cards.

— joyce smith, kansascity, "The American restaurant returns as a pop-up space, with familiar faces at the helm", 5 May 2017
Or: Instead of the lattice, lithium metal could act as the anode—

— nathan hurst, Smithsonian, "Charging Ahead: The Future of Batteries", 7 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lattice'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of lattice

Middle English latis, from Anglo-French latiz

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

LATTICE Defined for English Language Learners

lattice

play

noun

Definition of lattice for English Language Learners

: a frame or structure made of crossed wood or metal strips

LATTICE Defined for Kids

lattice

play

noun lat·tice \ˈla-təs\

Definition of lattice for Students

1 : a structure made of thin strips of wood or metal that cross each other
2 : a window or gate having a lattice

Medical Dictionary

lattice

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noun lat·tice \ˈlat-əs\

Medical Definition of lattice

: a regular geometrical arrangement of points or objects over an area or in space: asa: the geometrical arrangement of atoms in a crystal—called also space latticeb: a geometrical arrangement of fissionable material in a nuclear reactor