translucent

[trans-loo-suh nt, tranz-] /trænsˈlu sənt, trænz-/

adjective

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.

easily understandable; lucid:

a translucent explication.

clear; transparent:

translucent seawater.

Origin of translucent

1590-1600; < Latin trānslūcent- (stem of trānslūcēns), present participle of trānslūcere to shine through. See trans-, lucent

Related forms

translucence, translucency, noun

translucently, adverb

subtranslucence, noun

subtranslucency, noun

subtranslucent, adjective

Can be confused

translucent, transparent (see synonym study at transparent)

Synonyms

1. See transparent.

Antonyms

1. opaque.

Examples from the web for translucent

The fish itself is flaky and a slightly translucent white in color.
When closed, the door provides visual privacy, but its translucent panel helps keep an open feel.
Here, a glossy chocolate-brown accent wall sets off the translucent candleholders and simple white candles.
Made of either translucent or opaque plastic, many have oversize openings with screw-on lids.
These two bins were made of a flimsier plastic and are translucent.
Saute onion, jalapeno pepper, and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
Far above, the triangle is aglow in the dimly translucent field of ice.
Refrigerators in the laboratories held hundreds of brightly colored translucent petri dishes in which cell cultures were growing.
He gesticulates with his fingers, which are long-boned and nearly translucent with age.
The translucent forms represent the left half of the brain.

British Dictionary definitions for translucent

translucent

/trænzˈluːsənt/

adjective

allowing light to pass through partially or diffusely; semitransparent

Derived Forms

translucence, translucency, noun
translucently, adverb

Word Origin

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

Word Origin and History for translucent

adj.

1590s, from Latin translucentem (nominative translucens), present participle of translucere "to shine through," from trans- "through" (see trans-) + lucere "to shine" (see light (n.)).

translucent in Science

translucent

(trāns-l'sənt)
Allowing radiation (most commonly light) to pass through, but causing diffusion. Frosted glass, for example, is translucent to visible light. Compare transparent.