What does "translucent" mean?
Something that is translucent.
Translucent
/tɹænzˈlu.sənt/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Something that is translucent.
- Grammar: translucent is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: semitransparent, apparent, cellophane, chiffon.
- Useful contrasts: opaque, transparent, turbid.
- Usage evidence: Her skin was almost translucent.
How to use "translucent"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "translucent" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "translucent" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "translucent" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "translucent" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "translucent" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "semitransparent" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "translucent", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Something that is translucent.
"They can be obtained in various thicknesses and in many colors, including beautiful imitations of pearl, mother-of-pearl, veins and mottles, stratifications, roll stratifications, imitation corals, and all colors of translucents, transparents and opaques, grained ivory, shell (plain and corrugated mottle), onyx, wood effects, plaids, checks, stripes, metallic, bronze pearl plain, bronze pearl with fancy blocks, bronze pearl in veins and stripes, and what is called “essence pearl.”"
Adjective
- 1 Allowing light to pass through, but diffusing it.
"Near-synonym: semitransparent"
- 2 Clear, lucid, or transparent. often
"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."
Adjective
- 1 allowing light to pass through diffusely wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Her skin was almost translucent."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "translucent"?
Common synonyms include: semitransparent, apparent, cellophane, chiffon, clean cut, clean-cut.
How do you use "translucent" in a sentence?
Her skin was almost translucent.
How do you pronounce "translucent"?
Pronounced /tɹænzˈlu.sənt/.
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *terh₂-der. Proto-Italic *trānts Latin 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.