translucent

adjective

trans·​lu·​cent tran(t)s-ˈlü-sᵊnt 

tranz-

1

: permitting the passage of light:

a

: transmitting and diffusing light so that objects beyond cannot be seen clearly

b

: clear, transparent

translucent water

2

: free from disguise or falseness

his translucent patriotism

—Newsweek

translucently adverb

Did you know?

Let’s shine a light on translucent and a couple of its relatives. Look closely and you will see the same group of three letters in translucent, elucidate, and lucid, illuminating the family relationship between the three words. All descend from the Latin word lucēre, meaning "to shine." Translucent is from lucēre plus trans-, which means "through"—hence, something translucent allows light to pass through. To elucidate something is to metaphorically shine a light on it by explaining it clearly; a lucid person is able to think clearly, and lucid writing is easy to understand. We hope this light explainer helps clarify things.

Choose the Right Synonym for translucent

clear, transparent, translucent, limpid mean capable of being seen through.

clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

Examples of translucent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In some ways, that’s a relief: Ross’ artistically careful filmmaking provides a refuge from all the suffering, a kind of translucent scrim that shields us from the worst. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024

And like those old keyboards, there’s a translucent square on the Caps Lock key for the south-facing RGB backlights to shine through when Caps Lock in on. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Women in the 19th century dressed surprisingly sexily, said Muir, pointing to the translucent fabrics and exposed skin common in 1810’s fashion — and sported by prominent figures like Napoleon’s wife, Joséphine Bonaparte. —Leah Dolan, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024

Cook and stir until onions begin to turn translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. —Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin translucent-, translucens, present participle of translucēre to shine through, from trans- + lucēre to shine — more at light

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

translucent

adjective

trans·​lu·​cent tran(t)s-ˈlüs-ᵊnt 

tranz-

1

: clear and pure as if shining from within

a translucent lake

2

: not transparent but clear enough to allow light to pass through

frosted glass is translucent

Medical Definition

translucent

adjective

trans·​lu·​cent -ᵊnt 

: permitting the passage of light

especially : transmitting and diffusing light so that objects beyond cannot be seen clearly