lattice

noun lat·tice \ ˈla-təs \

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

Definition of lattice

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

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lattice

transitive verb

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latticed

play \ˈla-tist\ adjective

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Recent Examples of lattice from the Web

Contemporary civilization has rebuilt itself atop a lattice of fragile computer systems, all interconnected.

— ian bogost, The Atlantic, "Atlanta's Boring Ransomware Attack," 28 Mar. 2018
Spread the apple filling evenly in the prepared pie pan and top with a lattice or inspired design of your choice.

— lilah ramzi, Vogue, "A Year of Pie: In Her New Taartwork Cookbook, Brittany Bennett Shares Recipes for Each Season," 6 Mar. 2018
Above that the lattice becomes a massive but elegant grid that narrows and tightens and then shifts to sky.

— john king, San Francisco Chronicle, "Salesforce Tower - underwhelming despite its size," 9 Jan. 2018
His subsequent account of the (literally) Neolithic process by which horizontal branches are woven together with upright rods into a lattice goes on for a half-dozen painstakingly detailed pages.

— michael bierut, New York Times, "Before Glitter and Glue Sticks, ‘Craeft’," 8 Jan. 2018
There were statement collars in contrasting colors, gowns with truncated lattice capes around the bust and tops with chest stripes.

— Washington Post, "Chanel caps Paris with ode to fall; stars out at Vuitton," 6 Mar. 2018
Using a 1/2-inch square cookie cutter, cut out a lattice as shown, leaving a 1/2-inch border.

— carrie purcell, Country Living, "Pie Recipes," 7 Feb. 2018
Elo set the piece on five couples, the men in black shirts and pants, the women in black leotards, under a huge tilting and angling overhead lattice.

— jeffrey gantz, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston Ballet opens with high-octane ‘Parts in Suite’," 11 Mar. 2018
With this setup, an optical lattice clock can measure 9 billion ticks per second.

— deborah netburn, Washington Post, "Scientists take an atomic clock on the road and use it to measure the height of a mountain," 24 Feb. 2018

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.