opacity
noun
opac·i·ty
ō-ˈpa-sə-tē 
plural opacities
1
a
: obscurity of sense : unintelligibility
b
: the quality or state of being mentally obtuse : dullness
2
: the quality or state of a body that makes it impervious to the rays of light
broadly
: the relative capacity of matter to obstruct the transmission of radiant energy
3
: an opaque spot in a normally transparent structure (such as the lens of the eye)
Examples of opacity in a Sentence
the opacity of the glass
Critics have noted the opacity of her writing style.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Liquefy choice offers a dedicated interface with control over brush size, hardness, opacity, ramp type (Gaussian, Linear, and several more), and speed.
—
Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026
Yet the existence of such weapons and the opacity surrounding them mean the possibility cannot be entirely dismissed, especially during periods of heightened conflict.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2026
That opacity comes from centuries of rules and processes.
—Matt Wing, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026
By including what the workers have discovered about their clients and deconstructing AI training systems from the inside out, Gourault challenges the opacity of automotive businesses that seek to conceal their association with extractive labor practices.
—Farren Fei Yuan, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for opacity
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Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026
Yet the existence of such weapons and the opacity surrounding them mean the possibility cannot be entirely dismissed, especially during periods of heightened conflict.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2026
That opacity comes from centuries of rules and processes.
—Matt Wing, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026
By including what the workers have discovered about their clients and deconstructing AI training systems from the inside out, Gourault challenges the opacity of automotive businesses that seek to conceal their association with extractive labor practices.
—Farren Fei Yuan, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for opacity
Cite this Entry
“Opacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opacity. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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Medical Definition
opacity
noun
opac·i·ty
ō-ˈpas-ət-ē
plural opacities
1
: the quality or state of a body that makes it impervious to the rays of light
broadly
: the relative capacity of matter to obstruct by absorption or reflection the transmission of radiant energy (as X-rays, infrared radiation, or sound)
2
: an opaque spot in a normally transparent structure (as the lens of the eye)
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