translucent

adjective trans·lu·cent \-s^ənt\

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

Full Definition of TRANSLUCENT

: permitting the passage of light:

a : clear, transparent <translucent water>

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

: free from disguise or falseness <his translucent patriotism — Newsweek>

— trans·lu·cent·ly adverb

See translucent defined for English-language learners

See translucent defined for kids

Origin of TRANSLUCENT

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

First Known Use: 1607

Synonym Discussion of 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>.

clear, perspicuous, lucid mean quickly and easily understood. clear implies freedom from obscurity, ambiguity, or undue complexity <clear instructions>. perspicuous applies to a style that is simple and elegant as well as clear <a perspicuous style>. lucid suggests a clear logical coherence and evident order of arrangement <a lucid explanation>.

TRANSLUCENT Defined for Kids