• Translucent

    Pronunciation

    • IPA: /trænzˈluː.sÉ™nt/

    Origin

    From Latin translucentem, accusative of translucens which is present participle of translucere, trans- "through" and lucere "to shine".

    Full definition of translucent

    Adjective

    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, Gilbert Keith Chesterton, The Club of Queer Trades, ch. 4:"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:The sun was in its greatest splendor, and the air was absolutely translucent. The lake and the mountains sprang out, sharp and clear.

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