translucent

[ trans-loo-suhnt, tranz- ]

adjective

1. permitting light to pass through but diffusing it so that persons, objects, etc., on the opposite side are not clearly visible:

   Frosted window glass is translucent but not transparent.

   Antonyms: opaque

2. easily understandable; lucid:

   a translucent explication.

3. clear; transparent:

   translucent seawater.

translucent

/ trænzˈluːsənt /

adjective

1. allowing light to pass through partially or diffusely; semitransparent

translucent

/ trăns-lo̅o̅′sənt /

1. Allowing radiation (most commonly light) to pass through, but causing diffusion. Frosted glass, for example, is translucent to visible light.
2. Compare transparent

Derived Forms

• transˈlucence, noun
• transˈlucently, adverb

Other Words From

• trans·lucence trans·lucen·cy noun
• trans·lucent·ly adverb
• subtrans·lucence noun
• subtrans·lucen·cy noun
• subtrans·lucent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of translucent¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin trānslūcent- (stem of trānslūcēns ), present participle of trānslūcēre “to shine through”; trans-, lucent

Word History and Origins

Origin of translucent¹

C16: from Latin translūcēre to shine through, from trans- + lūcēre to shine

Synonym Study

See transparent.

Example Sentences

Dressed in 7-inch neon heels and translucent yellow bell-bottoms, Mary Serritella was defying gravity and expectations on a recent Wednesday night at Hollywood’s Bourbon Room.

From Los Angeles Times

“The whole ecosystem of Licorice Pizza is right here,” Brown says happily, spinning a disc of translucent vinyl in his hands.

From Los Angeles Times

The Marías’ frontwoman lies in a translucent bathtub, microphone in hand and partially submerged in its warm water.

From Los Angeles Times

The work differs from the previous works by Banksy unveiled this week in that it is a detailed painting that appears to have been created with translucent spray paint.

From BBC

The dance is hazy in my mind, a blur of translucent black veils and long silvery scarves.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crystalline
• luminous
• see-through