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

Its apparently smooth screen quickly dissolves into a jiggling lattice of molecules, which in turn resolve into clouds of electrons buzzing around atomic nuclei. —Quanta Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026

Tonight, the spider will continue its lattice; tonight, the crystals will sprout spines, shredding my soft tissues. —Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026

By combining neutron-scattering data with thermal conductivity measurements, the researchers directly linked the improved heat flow to longer-lasting phonons traveling through the crystal lattice. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026

Sand & Stable Calhoun 4-Piece Sofa Seating Group With its gray, faux-wood frame and lattice designs, this set has a distinctly coastal feel. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 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