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

Keep scrolling for more

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

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 And opt for a lightweight, translucent brightening powder instead of anything heavy, matte, and oil-absorbing. — Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, "How to Apply Concealer the Right Way, According to Pros," 10 Dec. 2018 To celebrate the fashion house’s new collection and a line created especially for Opening Ceremony’s New York and Los Angeles stores, Marcelis designed a series of translucent panels that turn the brand’s tartan into almost sculpture-like pieces. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Burberry’s iconic plaid turned into sculptural furniture," 16 Aug. 2018 Suerte doesn’t mix any of the barrels of their Extra Anejo, so each bottle has its own unique flavor, and that rich brown color is going to be best enjoyed in a translucent glass with a few ice cubes. — James Lynch, Popular Mechanics, "The Two-Ton Stone That's Made Tequila for Centuries," 28 Nov. 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.