opacity
noun
opac·i·ty
ō-ˈpa-sə-tē 
plural opacities
1
a
: obscurity of sense : unintelligibility
b
: the quality or state of being mentally obtuse : dullness
2
: the quality or state of a body that makes it impervious to the rays of light
broadly
: the relative capacity of matter to obstruct the transmission of radiant energy
3
: an opaque spot in a normally transparent structure (such as the lens of the eye)
Examples of opacity in a Sentence
the opacity of the glass
Critics have noted the opacity of her writing style.
Recent Examples on the Web
The black box problem refers to the opacity of certain AI systems.
—
David Paffenholz, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Even with Jarmusch’s trademark opacity, the point is clear: Filmmakers should aim to create a practice that is personal and honest because that is what makes the work interesting.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025
That black box opacity is a familiar challenge in AI.
—IEEE Spectrum, 10 Feb. 2025
Others don’t mind ambiguity, or even elements of ambiguity’s first cousin, opacity, if there are other things to appreciate.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opacity
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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David Paffenholz, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Even with Jarmusch’s trademark opacity, the point is clear: Filmmakers should aim to create a practice that is personal and honest because that is what makes the work interesting.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025
That black box opacity is a familiar challenge in AI.
—IEEE Spectrum, 10 Feb. 2025
Others don’t mind ambiguity, or even elements of ambiguity’s first cousin, opacity, if there are other things to appreciate.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opacity
Cite this Entry
“Opacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opacity. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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Medical Definition
opacity
noun
opac·i·ty
ō-ˈpas-ət-ē
plural opacities
1
: the quality or state of a body that makes it impervious to the rays of light
broadly
: the relative capacity of matter to obstruct by absorption or reflection the transmission of radiant energy (as X-rays, infrared radiation, or sound)
2
: an opaque spot in a normally transparent structure (as the lens of the eye)
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