translucent definition

English translucent definition

Etymology

From Latin translucentem, accusative of translucens, present participle of translucere, from trans (“through”) and lucere (“to shine”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /tɹænz.ˈluː.sənt/　
• (US) IPA^(key): /tɹænz.ˈlu.sənt/

• Audio (US)

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Adjective

translucent (comparative more translucent, superlative most translucent)

1. Allowing light to pass through, but diffusing it.
   • 1913, Louis Joseph Vance, The Day of Days, ch. 1:

     The window-panes, encrusted with perennial deposits of Atmosphere, were less transparent than translucent.

   • 1921, P. G. Wodehouse, Jill the Reckless, ch. 21:

     On the windows of the nearer buildings the sun cast glittering beams, but further away a faint, translucent mist hid the city.

2. Clear, lucid, or transparent.
   • 1884, Henry J. Ramsdell, Life and Public Services of Hon. James G. Blaine, Hubbard, pp. 105-106:

     Mr. Blaine's powers and disposition shone resplendent. . . . the gavel in his practised hand, chiming in with varied tones that aptly enforced his words, from the sharp rat-tat-tat that recalled the House to decorum, to the vigorous thunder that actually drowned unparliamentary speech; rulings, repartee, translucent explanation flashing from his lips as quick as lighting.

   • 1904 June 11 and 18​, Gilbert K[eith] Chesterton, “The Singular Speculation of the House-agent”, in The Club of Queer Trades, New York, N.Y.; London: Harper & Brothers Publishers, published April 1905, OCLC 10768944, pages 151–152:

     I thought you'd come round to my view, but I own I was startled at your not seeing it from the beginning. The man is a translucent liar and knave.

   • 1919, Joseph A. Altsheler, The Lords of the Wild, ch. 3:

     [T]he sun was in its greatest splendor, and the air was absolutely translucent. The lake and the mountains sprang out, sharp and clear.

Coordinate terms

• opaque
• transparent

Related terms

• translucence
• translucency

Translations

Latin translucent definition

Verb

trānslūcent

1. third-person plural present active indicative of trānslūceō