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

Officials said they would use Anduril’s Lattice software platform to validate the engineers’ work.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Systems like Andromeda and Lattice allow the company to analyze a user’s full sequence of behavior to target ads with much higher accuracy.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 26, 2026

“One thing I know about my daughter — she is not a nature young lady,” her mother, Lattice Sutton, told The Times in 2010.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2024

For the current quarter ending in June, Lattice said it expects revenue in the range of $120 million to $140 million.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2024

Her First-born, 13:247-248       V. The Lattice at Sunrise, 13:248 18th.

From The Guide to Reading — the Pocket University Volume XXIII by Various

Related Words

• filigree