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 a sentence.

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

Oct 28, 2021 · If an object is translucent, you can see that there is something on the other side of it when looking through it, but you can’t tell exactly what you’re seeing.

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

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

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.

Jan 20, 2026 · Noun translucent (plural translucents) Something that is translucent. Coordinate terms: opaque, transparent

TRANSLUCENT meaning: not completely clear or transparent but clear enough to allow light to pass through