translucent
Americanadjective
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Allowing radiation (most commonly light) to pass through, but causing diffusion. Frosted glass, for example, is translucent to visible light.
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Compare transparent
Synonym Usage
See transparent.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of translucent
First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin trānslūcent- (stem of trānslūcēns ), present participle of trānslūcēre “to shine through”; see trans-, lucent
Explanation
A translucent material lets light pass through, but objects on the other side can't be seen clearly. Think Shrinky Dinks or stained glass. In contrast, a transparent material allows you to clearly see the objects on the other side. Frosted glass is translucent, and regular glass is transparent. But opaque glass doesn't let any light through at all, and so you can't see through it. The adjective translucent is from the Latin translucens, from translucere "to shine through."
Vocabulary lists containing translucent
100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know
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Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 1
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Let There Be Light: Lum and Luc
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
However, discrimination lawyer Robin Moira White - who works with Translucent, a trans-led advocacy and human rights organisation - said the ruling was a "very sensible, balanced judgement".
From BBC • Dec. 8, 2025
Translucent curtains are being designed for some of the windows, but won’t be used throughout, and not in the entrance across from “Octavia’s Gaze.”
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 1, 2025
Translucent alabaster sarcophagi, the author describes as “curiously alive and attractive.”
From Washington Post • Sep. 2, 2021
In 2011 he released his last album, Translucent Blues, a collaboration with the slide guitarist Roy Rogers.
From The Guardian • May 21, 2013
Translucent curtains hung in front of two windows, protecting the room from the night outside.
From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
