lattice

[ lat-is ]

/ ˈlæt ɪs /

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noun

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

a window, gate, or the like consisting of such a structure.

Physics. the structure of fissionable and nonfissionable materials geometrically arranged within a nuclear reactor.

Also called Bravais lattice, crystal lattice, space lattice. Crystallography. an arrangement in space of isolated points (lattice points ) in a regular pattern, showing the positions of atoms, molecules, or ions in the structure of a crystal.

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.

to furnish with a lattice or latticework.

to form into or arrange like latticework.

OTHER WORDS FOR lattice

1 trellis, grille, screen, grid.

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QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of lattice

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

OTHER WORDS FROM lattice

lat·tice·like, adjective

Words nearby lattice

latter-day, Latter-day Saint, Latter-Day Saints, latterly, lattermost, lattice, lattice constant, latticed, lattice defect, lattice energy, lattice girder

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use lattice in a sentence

It’s as if the electrons no longer notice the underlying lattice of atomic nuclei.
Alchemy Arrives in a Burst of Light|Philip Ball|September 30, 2020|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.
Alchemy Arrives in a Burst of Light|Philip Ball|September 30, 2020|Quanta Magazine
At high temperatures they grow disordered and the lattice demagnetizes.
How Mathematical ‘Hocus-Pocus’ Saved Particle Physics|Charlie Wood|September 17, 2020|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.
Quantum computers threaten to end digital security. Here’s what’s being done about it|Jeremy Kahn|September 11, 2020|Fortune

Lattice-based cryptography is based on the unique mathematical properties of grids of evenly-spaced points, or lattices.
Quantum computers threaten to end digital security. Here’s what’s being done about it|Jeremy Kahn|September 11, 2020|Fortune
The fence, with the open squares in the lattice serving as solid notches, is perfect for resting and aiming a rifle.
The Man Oswald First Tried to Kill Before JFK|Bill Minutaglio, Steven L. Davis|October 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Models wore beaded headpieces with lattice-work and pearl-encrusted boots.
All Hail, McQueen!|Isabel Wilkinson|March 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I love her lattice crust variation, and the addition of nutmeg sauce takes it to a whole other level.
Fresh Picks|Katie Lee|October 27, 2010|DAILY BEAST
They say the ladder construct is out, lattice is in, for men and women.
I Just Had a Baby, I'll Call You Back|Katty Kay, Claire Shipman|June 2, 2009|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.
Oliver Twist, Vol. II (of 3)|Charles Dickens
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.
King Robert the Bruce|A. F. Murison
The ball, he observed, was made of light bands or lathes arranged somewhat in the form of lattice-work.
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands|R.M. Ballantyne
Through the lattice windows the murmur of a stream can be heard, on whose banks—but we shall come to that directly.
First Plays|A. A. Milne
Grendel means, originally, no more than a bar or rod, or a palisade or lattice-work made of such bars or rods.
Notes and Queries, Number 178, March 26, 1853|Various

British Dictionary definitions for lattice

lattice

/ (ˈlætɪs) /

noun

Also called: latticework an open framework of strips of wood, metal, etc, arranged to form an ornamental pattern

a gate, screen, etc, formed of such a framework
(as modifier)a lattice window

something, such as a decorative or heraldic device, resembling such a framework

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 spaceSee also Bravais lattice

verb

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

Derived forms of lattice

latticed, adjective

Word Origin for lattice

C14: from Old French lattis, from latte lath

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for lattice

lattice

[ lăt′ĭs ]

A set of points that, when joined together, form the geometric shape of a mineral crystal. The lattice of the mineral halite, for example, is in the shape of a cube. See more at crystal.

lattice

OTHER WORDS FOR lattice

Origin of lattice

OTHER WORDS FROM lattice

Words nearby lattice

Words related to lattice

How to use lattice in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for lattice

Derived forms of lattice

Word Origin for lattice

Scientific definitions for lattice