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.

TRANSLUCENT definition: permitting light to pass through but diffusing it so that persons, objects, etc., on the opposite side are not clearly visible. See examples of translucent used in …

TRANSLUCENT definition: 1. If an object or a substance is translucent, it is almost transparent, allowing some light…. Learn more.

If a material is translucent, some light can pass through it. The building is roofed entirely with translucent corrugated plastic.

Definition of translucent adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

A translucent object causes enough diffusion of light that an object or image on the other side of it can only be seen indistinctly. Frosted glass is translucent.

Factsheet What does the adjective translucent mean? There are four meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective translucent, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for …

Aug 26, 2025 · "Translucent" describes something that allows light to pass through but not clear enough to see through distinctly. You can think of it as partially see-through.

permitting light to pass through but diffusing it so that persons, objects, etc., on the opposite side are not clearly visible: Frosted window glass is translucent but not transparent.

A translucent material lets light pass through, but objects on the other side can't be seen clearly. Think Shrinky Dinks or stained glass.