lattice

[ lat-is ]

noun

1. a structure of crossed wooden or metal strips usually arranged to form a diagonal pattern of open spaces between the strips.

   Synonyms: grid, screen, grille, trellis

2. a window, gate, or the like consisting of such a structure.
3. Physics. the structure of fissionable and nonfissionable materials geometrically arranged within a nuclear reactor.
4. Also called Bravais lattice, crystal lattice, space lattice. Crystallography. an arrangement in space of isolated points lattice points in a regular pattern, showing the positions of atoms, molecules, or ions in the structure of a crystal.
5. Mathematics. a partially ordered set in which every subset containing exactly two elements has a greatest lower bound or intersection and a least upper bound or union.

verb (used with object)

, lat·ticed, lat·tic·ing.

1. to furnish with a lattice or latticework.
2. to form into or arrange like latticework.

lattice

/ ˈlætɪs /

noun

1. Also calledlatticework an open framework of strips of wood, metal, etc, arranged to form an ornamental pattern
2. 1. a gate, screen, etc, formed of such a framework
   2. ( as modifier )

      a lattice window

3. something, such as a decorative or heraldic device, resembling such a framework
4. an array of objects or points in a periodic pattern in two or three dimensions, esp an array of atoms, ions, etc, in a crystal or an array of points indicating their positions in space See also Bravais lattice

verb

1. to make, adorn, or supply with a lattice or lattices

Derived Forms

• ˈlatticed, adjective

Other Words From

• lattice·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lattice¹

1350–1400; Middle English latis < Middle French lattis, derivative of latte lath < Germanic; lath

Word History and Origins

Origin of lattice¹

C14: from Old French lattis, from latte lath

Example Sentences

“One thing I know about my daughter — she is not a nature young lady,” her mother, Lattice Sutton, told The Times in 2010.

From Los Angeles Times

The wrought-iron lattice tower was initially heavily criticised by Parisian artists and intellectuals - but is now seen by many as the symbol of the "City of Light".

From BBC

This amorphous interphase disappears again when the current stops flowing, and most of the copper atoms return to the solid lattice.

From Science Daily

One idea is to create artificial crystals with the BECs trapped in an optical lattice made from lasers.

From Science Daily

Due to the ultra-thin structure of the material, the negatively charged electron and the positively charged 'hole' it leaves behind in the atomic lattice stay bound together by the electrostatic attraction between them, forming what is known as an 'exciton'.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• filigree