Transparent
Pronunciation
- GenAm IPA: /trænsˈpɛrənt/, /trænz-/, /-ˈpærənt/
- RP IPA: /trænsˈpærənt/, /trænzˈpærənt/
Origin
From Medieval Latin transpÄrentis (genitive singular of transpÄrens, present participle of transpÄreÅ)
Full definition of transparent
Adjective
transparent
- (of a material or object) See-through, clear; having the property that light passes through it almost undisturbed, such that one can see through it clearly.The waters of the lake were transparent until the factory dumped wastes there.
- 1897, H. G. Wells, , chapter 19,"You make the glass invisible by putting it into a liquid of nearly the same refractive index; a transparent thing becomes invisible if it is put in any medium of almost the same refractive index."
- (of a system or organization) Open, public; having the property that theories and practices are publicly visible, thereby reducing the chance of corruption.
- Obvious; readily apparent; easy to see or understand.His reasons for the decision were transparent.
Usage notes
(see-through, clear) The term translucent is similar in meaning, but describes a material or object that diffuses light as it passes through. Looking through a transparent substance (such as a window), one can recognize objects on the other side. Looking through a translucent substance (such as frosted glass), one cannot see objects clearly, only light and shadow.
Synonyms
- (see-through, clear) see-through, diaphanous, clear, crystalline, limpid
- (obvious) apparent, clear, obvious