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; 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

This strong link between strain and electronic order provides direct evidence that subtle lattice distortions play a crucial role in shaping how these patterns form.

From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026

In solids, atoms form tightly packed lattice structures.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

Right now the site is a lattice of hulking steel frames covering an area the size of 30 football pitches, interspersed with cranes, earth movers and drainage channels.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

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

No smoke came from the chimney, and the little lattice windows gaped forlorn.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

Related Words

• filigree