Translucent Meaning
/tɹænzˈluː.sənt/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjAllowing light to pass through, but diffusing it.
adjClear, lucid, or transparent.
Sentence Examples
Her skin was almost translucent.
Add the rice and cook gently until the grains begin to turn translucent.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The bathroom window is made of ____ glass so you see shapes but not details.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The windows of the small bathroom were made of ____ glass so that they would let in light while still providing privacy today.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *terh₂- Proto-Indo-European *-t Proto-Indo-European *térh₂t Proto-Indo-European *-ónts Proto-Indo-European *tr̥h₂ónts Proto-Indo-European *tr̥h₂n̥ts Proto-Italic *trāns Proto-Italic *trāns- Latin trāns- Proto-Indo-European *lewk- Proto-Indo-European *-yeti Proto-Indo-European *-éyeti Proto-Indo-European *lowkéyeti Proto-Italic *loukeō Proto-Indo-European *lewk-der. Proto-Italic *loukēō Latin lūceō Latin trānslūceō Latin trānslūcēnsbor. English translucent From Latin trānslūcentem, accusative of trānslūcēns, present participle of trānslūcēre.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The window-panes, encrusted with perennial deposits of Atmosphere, were less transparent than translucent."
— 1913, Louis Joseph Vance, chapter 1, in The Day of Days:
"On the windows of the nearer buildings the sun cast glittering beams, but further away a faint, translucent mist hid the city."
— 1921, P. G. Wodehouse, chapter 21, in Jill the Reckless:
"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."
— 1884, Henry J. Ramsdell, Life and Public Services of Hon. James G. Blaine, Hubbard, pages 105–106:
"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."
— 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:
"[T]he sun was in its greatest splendor, and the air was absolutely translucent. The lake and the mountains sprang out, sharp and clear."
— 1919, Joseph A. Altsheler, chapter 3, in The Lords of the Wild:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The bathroom window is made of ____ glass so you see shapes but not details.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The windows of the small bathroom were made of ____ glass so that they would let in light while still providing privacy today.