lattice

American  

[lat-is] / ˈlæt ɪs /

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 lattice 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.

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verb (used with object)

latticed, latticing

1. to furnish with a lattice or latticework.

2. to form into or arrange like latticework.

lattice British  

/ ˈlætɪs /

noun

1. Also called: latticework.  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

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• latticed adjective
• latticelike adjective

Etymology

Origin of lattice

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

Example Sentences

To work within those constraints, the team turned to a method known as lattice surgery.

From Science Daily

These atoms were arranged in a carefully controlled optical lattice created with laser light.

From Science Daily

"Our measurement protocols can be directly applied to existing precision instruments such as optical lattice clocks," says Lex Joosten, PhD student in the Basel group.

From Science Daily

In quantum materials, electrons already experience a repeating structure because atoms are arranged in an orderly crystal lattice.

From Science Daily

Rather than a clean, repeating lattice, the atoms form a hybrid and irregular sequence that can only be detected using extremely precise measurement techniques made possible by advanced X-ray lasers.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• filigree