translucent
adjective
Newsweek
Did you know?
Let’s shine a light on translucent and a couple of its relatives. Look closely and you will see the same group of three letters in translucent, elucidate, and lucid, illuminating the family relationship between the three words. All descend from the Latin word lucēre, meaning "to shine." Translucent is from lucēre plus trans-, which means "through"—hence, something translucent allows light to pass through. To elucidate something is to metaphorically shine a light on it by explaining it clearly; a lucid person is able to think clearly, and lucid writing is easy to understand. We hope this light explainer helps clarify things.
Examples of translucent in a Sentence
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025
The shell was completely translucent, revealing the scallop inside, researchers said, and it was identified as a species new to science.
Delectopecten thermus, or the thermal glass scallop, has a shell that is not quite circular with an asymmetrical hinge, according to the study.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2025
When hot, swirl in the oil, add the yellow onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until onion is softened and translucent.
—Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 10 Feb. 2025
If someone has glass skin, the texture is shiny, and just like glass, this skin is near translucent, appearing poreless.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for translucent 
Dictionary Entries Near translucent
Cite this Entry
“Translucent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/translucent. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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translucent
adjective
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translucent
adjective
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