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

In New Canaan, Conn., where Philip Johnson’s iconic Glass House is located, two Manhattanites renovated a Midcentury Modern home with a lattice work facade and pyramid skylights.

From The Wall Street Journal

In this state, paired electrons move together without scattering off phonons or impurities in the crystal lattice, which eliminates electrical resistance.

From Science Daily

When light catches the lattice of a diatretum, the glass shows more than technical brilliance.

From Science Daily

In this environment, carbon atoms zip through the iron lattice at high speeds, greatly reducing the alloy's stiffness.

From Science Daily

Scientists have spent years testing various materials and chemical dopants -- substances that modify a material's properties -- in hopes of increasing the speed of proton movement through the lattice.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• filigree