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 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.

verb (used with object)

latticed, latticing 

1. to furnish with a lattice or latticework.

2. to form into or arrange like latticework.

lattice

/ 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

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• latticelike adjective
• latticed 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

Lush greenery peeks through the windows above a lattice he constructed to mount canvases of various sizes.

From Los Angeles Times

It also differentiates between the required grounding for wood, lightweight steel poles, and lattice towers like the ones under scrutiny in Eaton Canyon.

From Los Angeles Times

Inmates are confined to windowless cells, sleep on bare metal bunks and are constantly monitored by armed guards - some of whom watch over them from atop the lattice ceiling.

From BBC

L.A. residents draw water from a lattice of pipelines crisscrossing the city.

From Los Angeles Times

It features a beautiful, buttery lattice crust and a homemade raspberry and cranberry jam filling.

From Salon

Related Words

• filigree