Translucere

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. A Latin term meaning to allow light to pass through, yet objects are not clearly visible
2. signifying a state of being partly transparent or clear while still obscuring details
3. often used to describe materials that enable light transmission without complete visibility

Etymology: Latin "translucere" combined "trans" (through) with "lucere" (to shine), so it meant literally "to shine through." Roman writers used it for light passing across a space, such as sunlight coming through a window or a lamp glowing through cloth. The idea of partial blurring is not part of the Latin verb. It belongs to the English adjective that descends from it. English borrowed the Latin participle "translucens" as "translucent" in the early 17th century, with "translucid" appearing around the same time. Both are close relatives of "lucid," from Latin "lucidus" (bright), and of "lux," the Latin word for light. A frosted window and a clear mind thus share one ancient root for brightness.

Synonyms: translucent, shine through, glow, radiate, illuminate

Antonyms: opaque, block, obscure, darken