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Translucence: meaning, definitions and examples

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translucence

 

[trænsˈluːsəns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

light property

Translucence refers to the quality of allowing light to pass through a material without allowing detailed shapes to be seen clearly. It is an intermediate state between transparency, where objects can be seen clearly, and opacity, where light cannot pass through at all. Materials that exhibit translucence scatter light, making them appear somewhat cloudy or semi-transparent. Common examples of translucent materials include frosted glass, certain plastics, and wax paper, which diffuse light and create a soft glow when illuminated.

Synonyms

cloudiness, opacity, semi-transparency.

Examples of usage

  • The frosted glass provided translucence while maintaining privacy.
  • Artists often use materials with translucence to create ethereal effects in their paintings.
  • The translucence of the curtains allowed sunlight to gently illuminate the room.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'translucens', meaning 'to shine through'.
  • It's formed by combining 'trans-' (across) and 'lucere' (to shine), emphasizing light passing through an object.

Science

  • Translucence is a property seen in various materials such as frosted glass and wax paper, which scatter light.
  • In biology, skin acts as a translucent barrier, allowing light to penetrate and assist in processes like photosynthesis in plants.

Art

  • Artists often use translucence in painting to create depth, layering colors to allow light to interact with the pigments.
  • Translucent materials like stained glass have been prized in architecture for their beauty and ability to transform light.

Technology

  • Modern screens utilize translucent materials, reflecting how light interacts with interfaces to enhance visibility.
  • In photography, translucent filters are used to soften light, creating a more gentle and pleasing effect in images.

Psychology

  • Translucence can evoke feelings of mystery or intrigue, as it creates a blurred boundary between the visible and hidden.
  • Research shows that translucent surfaces can influence human perception, often making spaces feel more open and inviting.

Translations

Translations of the word "translucence" in other languages:

🇵🇹 translúcida

🇮🇳 पारदर्शिता

🇩🇪 Transluzenz

🇮🇩 translusensi

🇺🇦 напівпрозорість

🇵🇱 translucencja

🇯🇵 半透明性

🇫🇷 translucidité

🇪🇸 translucidez

🇹🇷 saydamlık

🇰🇷 반투명성

🇸🇦 شفافية

🇨🇿 průsvitnost

🇸🇰 priehľadnosť

🇨🇳 半透明性

🇸🇮 prosojnost

🇮🇸 gegndræpi

🇰🇿 жарқындық

🇬🇪 გასჭვრეტადობა

🇦🇿 şəffaflıq

🇲🇽 translucidez

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,698, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.