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lenticular

adjective

len·​tic·​u·​lar len-ˈti-kyə-lər How to pronounce lenticular (audio)
1
: having the shape of a double-convex lens
2
: of or relating to a lens
3
: provided with or utilizing lenticules
a lenticular screen

Did you know?

"Lentil-shaped"—that's the meaning of Latin lenticularis, the parent of English's lenticular. It's an appropriate predecessor because a double-convex lens is one that is curved on both sides, giving it a shape similar to that of a lentil. English speakers borrowed the Latin term in the 15th century. Lenticularis, in turn, derives from lenticula, which is the source of the English word lentil and a diminutive of the Latin form lent-, lens, meaning "lentil." You probably won't be too surprised to learn that lent-, lens also gave English the word lens.

Examples of lenticular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This may actually track, since astronomers still aren’t entirely certain how lenticular galaxies form in the first place. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Nov. 2025 Rather than a place to screen epic stories modeled on theater, the planetarium was designed to display the triumph of lenticular scientific astronomy to the public. Caroline A. Jones, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2025 There is a lenticular patch on the tongue that has an eye that closes and opens and with the MB Swoosh Logo; and our print, Run like no one is watching, appears on the shoe laces. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2025 Instead of including a real screen, Lego opted to include a lenticular replacement to create the illusion of a game being played. PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lenticular

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin lenticularis lentil-shaped, from lenticula lentil

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lenticular was in 1658

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Cite this Entry

“Lenticular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lenticular. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.

Medical Definition

lenticular

adjective
len·​tic·​u·​lar len-ˈtik-yə-lər How to pronounce lenticular (audio)
1
: having the shape of a double-convex lens
2
: of or relating to a lens especially of the eye
3
: relating to or being the lentiform nucleus of the brain
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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