Transparens

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A Latin participle meaning shining through, used to describe something that lets light pass so it can be seen clearly
2. The Latin form describing a thing that shines through and can be seen as clear or see-through
3. Latin for shining through, a term for something so clear or thin that light and sight pass through it

Etymology: Latin "transparens" is the present participle of "transparere," meaning "to shine through" or "to show through." It combines "trans-" ("across, through") with "parere," "to appear" or "become visible." That second verb is the same source as English "appear" and "apparent," so a transparent thing is one through which something else can be seen appearing. English took the adjective "transparent" from Medieval Latin, where the participle had come to describe anything that let light pass through it. Its meaning later widened from physical clarity to figurative senses, such as a transparent excuse, one whose intent is easy to see through.