diaphanous

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Contents

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Medieval Latin diaphanus (from Ancient Greek διαφανής) +‎ -ous.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • IPA: /daɪˈæf.ən.əs/, X-SAMPA: /daI"{f.@n.@s/
  • (file)

Adjective[edit]

diaphanous (comparative more diaphanous, superlative most diaphanous)

  1. Transparent; allowing light to pass through; capable of being seen through.
    • 1899, Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness, section 1
      The water shone pacifically; the sky, without a speck, was a benign immensity of unstained light; the very mist on the Essex marsh was like a gauzy and radiant fabric, hung from the wooded rises inland, and draping the low shores in diaphanous folds.
  2. Of a fine, almost transparent texture, e.g. gossamer.

Synonyms[edit]

Antonyms[edit]

Translations[edit]