translucent

adjective

trans·lu·cent | \ tran(t)s-ˈlü-sᵊnt

, 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

Currently, Kylie Cosmetics is also selling a loose setting powder for $24, available in six shades: deep dark, dark, translucent, soft pink, yellow, and beige. — De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Kylie Cosmetics Announces New Setting Spray," 6 Apr. 2019 Start with a few of our faves: Give yourself a quite literal natural glow with this translucent mineral powder formulated with jojoba, titanium dioxide, and witch hazel extract. — Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, "Whole Foods' Annual Beauty Week Event Has Arrived and Every Product Is on Sale," 12 Mar. 2019 Case in point: Islandiana lewisi, a translucent sheet-weaving spider recently discovered in a single cave in Indiana. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "New Spider Species Discovered In Indiana Cave," 3 July 2018 Armando Lerma, a local artist, is painting animals, plants and other images onto a water tank, while California native Kathleen Ryan is sculpting a soaring, translucent palm tree of steel and plastic. ... — Brenda Cronin, WSJ, "At ‘Desert X,’ an Arid Art Exhibit Materializes," 28 Jan. 2019 And on the Other Side of Town Award Chicago’s Sweetwater Foundation had community members hand-build a fabulous translucent barn on its communal garden space. — Mark Lamster, Curbed, "2018 in architecture: The good, the bad, and the urbanism," 27 Dec. 2018 Add leeks and garlic, and cook until leeks are translucent, about 2 minutes. — Kitty Greenwald, WSJ, "The Most Satisfying Vegetable Soup," 28 Dec. 2018 In 6-quart saucepot, cook butter and onion on medium until onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. — Heather Finn, Good Housekeeping, "This Pimiento Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe Is Just What Your Southern Thanksgiving Needs," 21 Nov. 2018 Finish off with a light dusting of loose translucent powder applied with a small brush along the edges of the lips to guarantee a flake-free look that won’t budge—even through mistletoe kisses. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "Dakota Johnson's Makeup Artist on How To Make Red Lipstick Last All Night," 31 Dec. 2018

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.