lattice

noun

lat·​tice ˈla-təs 

1

a

: a framework or structure of crossed wood or metal strips

b

: a window, door, or gate having a lattice

c

: a network or design resembling a lattice

2

: a regular geometrical arrangement of points or objects over an area or in space

specifically : the arrangement of atoms in a crystal

3

: a mathematical set that has some elements ordered and that is such that for any two elements there exists a greatest element in the subset of all elements less than or equal to both and a least element in the subset of all elements greater than or equal to both

lattice transitive verb

latticed

ˈla-tist 

adjective

Examples of lattice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There were no rips in the fabric of memory, in this view, because there were no memories to mend—no foundational oral tradition beneath the narratives, only a lattice of tropes. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025

These atoms or molecules are arranged in repeating three-dimensional patterns known as lattices. —New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2025

In cities around the world, an intricate lattice of pipes connects homes, businesses, and public facilities to sophisticated systems that deliver clean water and take away dirty water. —Claudine Ebeid, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2025

Together, these techniques proved that lattice strain helps stabilize rubidium within the material. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English latis, from Anglo-French latiz

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing lattice

• lattice girder
• space lattice

Rhymes for lattice

• flatus
• gratis
• rattus
• satis
• status
• stratus
• apparatus
• superlattice
• beatus

Kids Definition

lattice

noun

lat·​tice ˈlat-əs 

1

a

: a framework or structure of crossed wood or metal strips

b

: a window, door, or gate having a lattice

2

: an arrangement of points or objects that is evenly spaced over an area or throughout a volume

the lattice of atoms in a crystal

latticed

-əst 

adjective

Medical Definition

lattice

noun

lat·​tice ˈlat-əs 

: a regular geometrical arrangement of points or objects over an area or in space: as

a

: the geometrical arrangement of atoms in a crystal

called also space lattice

b

: a geometrical arrangement of fissionable material in a nuclear reactor