translucent

trans·lu·cent | \ tran(t)s-ˈlü-sᵊnt

How to pronounce translucent (audio)

, tranz- \

Definition of translucent

1 : permitting the passage of light:

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

b : clear, transparent translucent water

2 : free from disguise or falseness his translucent patriotism — Newsweek

Other Words from translucent Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about translucent

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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

Did You Know?

Look closely and you will see the same three letters in "translucent" and "elucidate," letting the family relationship between the two words shine through. Both terms descend from the Latin word lucēre, meaning "to shine." ("Translucent" is from "lucēre" plus "trans-," which means "through.") When you "elucidate" something, you make it clear by explaining it in a way that can be easily understood - you "shed light on" it. "Lucēre" is also the root of another bright and shining English word, "lucid," which can mean either "bright with light" or "clear and easy to understand."

Examples of translucent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Add the onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. — cleveland, "Tomato-corn chowder takes advantage of fresh summer bounty (recipe)," 3 July 2020 Cook, stirring frequently, until the shallot is tender and translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. — Joe Yonan, Washington Post, "This roast cauliflower sandwich proves vegetables can be hearty and even indulgent," 28 June 2020 The other end of each tube coils like a translucent snake, tethering the inert form in the bed to a gleaming machine — and, with luck, to life. — Sharon Grigsby, Dallas News, "We went inside Parkland’s COVID unit during its ‘worst week’ as coronavirus cases spike in North Texas," 28 June 2020 In-screen fingerprint readers usually live under OLED displays, which are translucent. — Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, "HTC’s first 5G smartphone is packing a big 5,000mAh battery," 16 June 2020 Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. — cleveland, "Ground turkey can be delicious. No, really!," 9 June 2020 The brand name of Kalwall translucent panels was incorrectly spelled Kallwall in a Mansion article Friday about the home renovation of artist Richard Harrison. ... — WSJ, "Corrections & Amplifications," 8 June 2020 Prakash said, as a translucent speck flew across the microscope’s computer screen. — Emily Underwood, The Atlantic, "The Search for the World’s Simplest Animal," 8 June 2020 The soft polyps inside the hard parts of corals are naturally translucent and get their famously vibrant color from algae living inside them. — Sarah Gibbens, National Geographic, "Scientists are trying to save coral reefs. Here's what's working.," 4 June 2020

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

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Learn More about translucent

Dictionary Entries near translucent

translucent reflector

Statistics for translucent

Last Updated

8 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Translucent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/translucent. Accessed 3 Aug. 2020.

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More Definitions for translucent

translucent

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of translucent

: not completely clear or transparent but clear enough to allow light to pass through

See the full definition for translucent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

translucent

trans·lu·cent | \ trans-ˈlü-sᵊnt

\

Kids Definition of translucent

: not transparent but clear enough to allow rays of light to pass through

translucent

trans·lu·cent | \ -ᵊnt

\

Medical Definition of translucent

: permitting the passage of light especially : transmitting and diffusing light so that objects beyond cannot be seen clearly

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