translucent

[trans-loo-suhnt, tranz-]

adjective

1. permitting light to pass through but diffusing it so that persons, objects, etc., on the opposite side are not clearly visible.

   Frosted window glass is translucent but not transparent.

   Antonyms: opaque

2. easily understandable; lucid.

   a translucent explication.

3. clear; transparent.

   translucent seawater.

translucent

/ trænzˈluːsənt /

adjective

1. allowing light to pass through partially or diffusely; semitransparent

translucent

1. Allowing radiation (most commonly light) to pass through, but causing diffusion. Frosted glass, for example, is translucent to visible light.

2. Compare transparent

Other Word Forms

• translucence noun
• translucency noun
• translucently adverb
• subtranslucence noun
• subtranslucency noun
• subtranslucent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of translucent¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin trānslūcent- (stem of trānslūcēns ), present participle of trānslūcēre “to shine through”; trans-, lucent

Word History and Origins

Origin of translucent¹

C16: from Latin translūcēre to shine through, from _trans- + lūcēre to shine

Synonym Study

See transparent.

Example Sentences

The artist-turned-filmmaker even incorporates a striking image from one of his oils — that of a translucent horselike creature — as an enigmatic visual motif that proves more ponderous than poetic.

From Los Angeles Times

I was making my entrance past these girls with my little translucent sequined beanie — an introduction.

From Los Angeles Times

Another key part of the winning entry is a translucent bridge inspired by the shape of the late Queen's wedding tiara.

From BBC

I prepared myself to meet a shuffling, sick patient, milky-eyed and translucent.

From Los Angeles Times

Uncover once onions are translucent and add carrots, celery and sturdier vegetables in your mix.

From Salon

Related Words

• crystalline 
• luminous 
• see-through