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

The wall is lined with thick, vertical grooves, described by Vargas as “almost like a lattice surface because the corrugation is so deep.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

They are effectively frustrated because the geometry of the lattice prevents them from achieving the lowest energy arrangement.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026

Materials that displayed strong low-frequency Raman features also showed high ionic diffusivity and dynamic relaxation of the host lattice.

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

It’s a nearly perfect pattern of alternating shapes, where metal atoms hold longer carbon-based molecules in place in a sort of lattice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

The rest of it was strange to her; she could see no principle behind the coils, the jars, the banks of insulators, the lattice of tubing.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman

Related Words

• filigree