Definition of translucent
1 : permitting the passage of light:a : transmitting and diffusing light so that objects beyond cannot be seen clearlyb : clear, transparent translucent water
2 : free from disguise or falseness his translucent patriotism — Newsweek
translucently
adverbFrom the M-W Editors
translucent was our Word of the Day on 05/19/2010. Hear the podcast!
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Recent Examples of translucent from the Web
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Translucent wafers of Korean fluke are wrapped in kelp to cure; sayori (needlefish) is slivered and marinated in soy; and tender lobes of rich uni are glazed with miso.
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The police report from that day noted several safes around the bedroom, all of them open and spilling out translucent orange pill bottles.
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In a hot saute pan, add a touch of cooking oil, then add the onion and chili flakes and sweat about two minutes until the onions are translucent.
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Say the people who aren't dying their translucent brows on Friday night.
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Ivan Lozano strings up pretty translucent links of packing tape covered in transfer images sourced from internet coverage of brutal drug cartel executions.
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At first the onions will soften, become translucent and release liquids becoming moist.
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Take a shrimp out, cut it in half and if the center is still translucent, return it to the pan for 30 seconds.
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Instead, the doctor takes the patient into a dark room, where the patient stands between the X-ray machine and a translucent screen.
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.
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."
Origin and Etymology of translucent
Latin translucent-, translucens, present participle of translucēre to shine through, from trans- + lucēre to shine — more at light
Synonym Discussion of translucent
TRANSLUCENT Defined for English Language Learners
translucent
playDefinition of translucent for English Language Learners
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: not completely clear or transparent but clear enough to allow light to pass through
TRANSLUCENT Defined for Kids
translucent
playDefinition of translucent for Students
: not transparent but clear enough to allow rays of light to pass through
Medical Dictionary
translucent
playMedical Definition of translucent
: permitting the passage of light; especially : transmitting and diffusing light so that objects beyond cannot be seen clearly
Learn More about translucent
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Spanish Central: Translation of translucent Nglish: Translation of translucent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of translucent for Arabic speakers
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