different between penetrative vs translucent

English

Etymology

From Middle English penetratyve, penetratif, from Medieval Latin penetr?t?vus.

Adjective

penetrative (comparative more penetrative, superlative most penetrative)

1. Of, pertaining to, or involving penetration.
2. Having the ability to penetrate.
3. (figuratively) Displaying insight or discrimination; acute.

Derived terms

• penetrative sex

Italian

Adjective

penetrative

1. feminine plural of penetrativo

English

Etymology

From Latin translucentem, accusative of translucens, present participle of translucere, from trans (“through”) and lucere (“to shine”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /t?ænz?lu?.s?nt/?
• (US) IPA^(key): /t?ænz?lu.s?nt/

Adjective

translucent (comparative more translucent, superlative most translucent)

1. Allowing light to pass through, but diffusing it.
   • 1913, Louis Joseph Vance, The Day of Days, ch. 1:

     The window-panes, encrusted with perennial deposits of Atmosphere, were less transparent than translucent.

   • 1921, P. G. Wodehouse, Jill the Reckless, ch. 21:

     On the windows of the nearer buildings the sun cast glittering beams, but further away a faint, translucent mist hid the city.

2. Clear, lucid, or transparent.
   • 1884, Henry J. Ramsdell, Life and Public Services of Hon. James G. Blaine, Hubbard, pp. 105-106:

     Mr. Blaine's powers and disposition shone resplendent. . . . the gavel in his practised hand, chiming in with varied tones that aptly enforced his words, from the sharp rat-tat-tat that recalled the House to decorum, to the vigorous thunder that actually drowned unparliamentary speech; rulings, repartee, translucent explanation flashing from his lips as quick as lighting.

   • 1919, Joseph A. Altsheler, The Lords of the Wild, ch. 3:

     [T]he sun was in its greatest splendor, and the air was absolutely translucent. The lake and the mountains sprang out, sharp and clear.

Coordinate terms

• opaque
• transparent

Related terms

• translucence
• translucency

Translations

Latin

Verb

tr?nsl?cent

1. third-person plural present active indicative of tr?nsl?ce?