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Meaning & use

non-translucent

adjective·Advancedtechnical

Last updated

UK/ˌnɒn trænzˈluːsənt/
US/ˌnɑːn trænzˈluːsənt/

Meanings

  1. adjectivenot comparabletechnical

    Not allowing light to pass through, so you cannot see through it clearly.

    Grammar: Not used with 'more' or 'most'; something is either non-translucent or not.

    Patterns

    • non-translucent material
    • be non-translucent to light

    The non-translucent coating blocks UV light.

    Unlike glass, this plastic is non-translucent and hides what is inside.

  2. adjectivenot comparabletechnical

    Not semi-transparent; not allowing any light to pass through, even diffusely.

    Grammar: Used in technical descriptions to contrast with 'translucent' (light passes through but images are blurred).

    Patterns

    • non-translucent surface
    • render something non-translucent

    The window was made non-translucent for privacy.

    In the diagram, the non-translucent areas are shown in black.

Common combinations

non-translucent material
The non-translucent material is used to block light.
non-translucent coating
A non-translucent coating was applied to the lens.
non-translucent glass
The bathroom window uses non-translucent glass.
non-translucent to light
The substance is non-translucent to light in this range.

Synonyms and how they differ

opaque
The usual everyday word for something you cannot see through; 'non-translucent' is more technical and precise.
cloudy
Describes something that is not clear, often because of particles; 'non-translucent' is a neutral technical term.

Opposites

translucenttransparent

Word family

translucent adjective
Allowing light through but not clear enough to see details.
translucence noun
The quality of being translucent.

Commonly confused: non-translucent or transparent? non-translucent or opaque?

non-translucent vs transparent

Transparent means you can see through clearly; non-translucent means you cannot see through at all or only very diffusely.

non-translucent vs opaque

Opaque is the common word; non-translucent is a more technical way to say the same thing, often in scientific contexts.

Practice

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