- Today's Word
Diaphanous
dy-AF-uh-nuhs
Definition
- (adjective) Light, delicate, and translucent, especially of fabric or material.
Example
The bride’s diaphanous veil shimmered in the sunlight, lending an ethereal quality to her appearance.
Fun Fact
“Diaphanous” originates from the Greek words dia- (through) and phainein (to show), literally meaning “showing through.” Initially used to describe gauzy fabrics, it evolved to depict anything exquisitely delicate or translucent, including light, ideas, or emotions. The word often evokes imagery of romantic or dreamlike scenes, making it a favorite in poetry and art criticism.
(adjective) Light, delicate, and translucent; so fine in texture as to be nearly transparent
The diaphanous curtains billowed in the breeze, letting the morning light pour softly into the room.
Diaphanous comes from the Medieval Latin diaphanus, itself from the Greek diaphanes — from dia (“through”) + phainein (“to show” or “to appear”). It entered English in the early 17th century, originally used to describe fine fabrics and minerals that allowed light to pass through them visibly.