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

They are surrounded by a chaotic lattice of masts and rigs, hallmarks of the nautical flow that brought people and goods to ports along the Thames. —Brigit Katz, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025

Electrons gently tug on protons in the lattice, drawing them inward to create an excess of positive charge. —Charlie Wood, WIRED, 12 Jan. 2025

This renowned bookstore is located in the trendy Daikanyama neighborhood and is well-known for its unique lattice facade resembling the letter ’T’ (designed by Klein Dytham Architecture). —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Dec. 2024

But even Trump is unlikely to be able to demolish the complicated lattice of global deals in his four years as U.S. president. —Byjames Morris, Fortune Europe, 26 Nov. 2024

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

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