lattice

American  

[lat-is] / ˈlæt ɪs /

noun

lattices plural

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 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

---

verb

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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• latticed
  adjective
• latticelike
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• lattices
  plural

Etymology

Origin of lattice

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

Explanation

A lattice is a decorative wooden frame or fence. Your grandmother's prize garden might include a lattice covered in bright pink roses. An ornamental design — made usually of wood — that you might see on the porch of a house or a garden trellis, is a lattice. Lattice is often made of a criss-crossed, diamond pattern of wood or metal slats. Lattice is a nice material for a porch because it lets in air and light but still gives privacy. You can also call something that resembles such a pattern lattice, like lattice wallpaper, or a lattice-patterned silver necklace.

Example Sentences

It was made from two sheets of metal lattice mesh, which HSE inspectors determined was poorly designed.

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2026

The Hammetschwand Lift, a rocket-shaped metal lattice tower and the highest outdoor lift in Europe, shoots up 152 metres to the mountain summit.

From Barron's • Jun. 16, 2026

An international team of researchers has directly observed how angular momentum moves through a crystal lattice for the first time, revealing an unexpected quantum effect that causes the direction of rotation to reverse.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

To tackle the problem, the researchers relied on lattice quantum chromodynamics, a computational technique that simulates the strong force using enormous supercomputers.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

They are coiled around with a lattice of roots, which sometimes form the shapes of cages, sometimes balconies, and sometimes what appear more like tightropes.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

Related Words

• filigree