lenticular

adjective

len·​tic·​u·​lar len-ˈti-kyə-lər 

1

: having the shape of a double-convex lens

2

: of or relating to a lens

3

: provided with or utilizing lenticules

a lenticular screen

Did you know?

"Lentil-shaped"—that's the meaning of Latin lenticularis, the parent of English's lenticular. It's an appropriate predecessor because a double-convex lens is one that is curved on both sides, giving it a shape similar to that of a lentil. English speakers borrowed the Latin term in the 15th century. Lenticularis, in turn, derives from lenticula, which is the source of the English word lentil and a diminutive of the Latin form lent-, lens, meaning "lentil." You probably won't be too surprised to learn that lent-, lens also gave English the word lens.

Examples of lenticular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But once the viewer moves to the right, the map is revealed to be a lenticular print—a piece of 3D art in which perspective changes the view entirely. —Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024

The universe is a big, big place, and this lenticular galaxy is just a gas station on one of the universe’s feeder roads. —Isaac Schultz / Gizmodo, Quartz, 17 May 2024

Thinking Why Mount Shasta is a magnet for believers in the paranormal The mountain can generate lenticular clouds, which may contribute to its supernatural reputation. —Big Think, 24 June 2024

That was enough time to track Earth’s rotation, which makes stars appear as streaks of light even as the volcano’s lenticular crown stays put. —Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin lenticularis lentil-shaped, from lenticula lentil

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Medical Definition

lenticular

adjective

len·​tic·​u·​lar len-ˈtik-yə-lər 

1

: having the shape of a double-convex lens

2

: of or relating to a lens especially of the eye

3

: relating to or being the lentiform nucleus of the brain