translucent
From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Etymology
From Latin translucentem, accusative of translucens, present participle of translucere, from trans (“through”) and lucere (“to shine”).
Pronunciation
Adjective
translucent (comparative more translucent, superlative most translucent)
- Allowing light to pass through, but diffusing it.
- 1913, Louis Joseph Vance, chapter 1, in The Day of Days:
- The window-panes, encrusted with perennial deposits of Atmosphere, were less transparent than translucent.
- 1921, P. G. Wodehouse, chapter 21, in Jill the Reckless:
- On the windows of the nearer buildings the sun cast glittering beams, but further away a faint, translucent mist hid the city.
- Clear, lucid, or transparent.
- 1884, Henry J. Ramsdell, Life and Public Services of Hon. James G. Blaine, Hubbard, pages 105–106:
- Mr. Blaine's powers and disposition shone resplendent. . . . the gavel in his practised hand, chiming in with varied tones that aptly enforced his words, from the sharp rat-tat-tat that recalled the House to decorum, to the vigorous thunder that actually drowned unparliamentary speech; rulings, repartee, translucent explanation flashing from his lips as quick as lighting.
- 1904 June 11 and 18, Gilbert K[eith] Chesterton, “The Singular Speculation of the House-agent”, in The Club of Queer Trades, New York, N.Y., London: Harper & Brothers Publishers, published April 1905, →OCLC, pages 151–152:
- I thought you'd come round to my view, but I own I was startled at your not seeing it from the beginning. The man is a translucent liar and knave.
- 1919, Joseph A. Altsheler, chapter 3, in The Lords of the Wild:
- [T]he sun was in its greatest splendor, and the air was absolutely translucent. The lake and the mountains sprang out, sharp and clear.
Coordinate terms
Related terms
Translations
allowing light to pass through, but diffusing it
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clear, lucid, or transparent
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Verb
trānslūcent