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. See Bravais lattice
   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

It’s as if the electrons no longer notice the underlying lattice of atomic nuclei.

From Quanta Magazine

In metals, for example, the electrons with the highest energies occupy a band that is not filled to capacity, so the electrons can move throughout the atomic lattice, allowing the material to conduct electricity.

From Quanta Magazine

At high temperatures they grow disordered and the lattice demagnetizes.

From Quanta Magazine

Because the points are evenly spaced, it turns out that from just two coordinates of the grid it is possible to compute all the points within the same lattice.

From Fortune

Lattice-based cryptography is based on the unique mathematical properties of grids of evenly-spaced points, or lattices.

From Fortune

The fence, with the open squares in the lattice serving as solid notches, is perfect for resting and aiming a rifle.

From The Daily Beast

Models wore beaded headpieces with lattice-work and pearl-encrusted boots.

From The Daily Beast

I love her lattice crust variation, and the addition of nutmeg sauce takes it to a whole other level.

From The Daily Beast

They say the ladder construct is out, lattice is in, for men and women.

From The Daily Beast

A very brief exercise of Mr. Sikess art sufficed to overcome the fastening of the lattice, and it soon stood wide open also.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact, she was placed in a room—or rather an erection of three storeys or rooms—of stout lattice-work in a turret of the castle.

From Project Gutenberg

The ball, he observed, was made of light bands or lathes arranged somewhat in the form of lattice-work.

From Project Gutenberg

Through the lattice windows the murmur of a stream can be heard, on whose banks—but we shall come to that directly.

From Project Gutenberg

Grendel means, originally, no more than a bar or rod, or a palisade or lattice-work made of such bars or rods.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• filigree