lattice

noun

lat·​tice ˈla-təs 

1

a

: a framework or structure of crossed wood or metal strips

b

: a window, door, or gate having a lattice

c

: a network or design resembling a lattice

2

: a regular geometrical arrangement of points or objects over an area or in space

specifically : the arrangement of atoms in a crystal

3

: a mathematical set that has some elements ordered and that is such that for any two elements there exists a greatest element in the subset of all elements less than or equal to both and a least element in the subset of all elements greater than or equal to both

lattice transitive verb

latticed

ˈla-tist 

adjective

Examples of lattice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, in reality, these atoms can randomly swap places within the crystal lattice, meaning some sites that were supposed to have copper atoms might have zinc atoms, and vice versa. —John Werner, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

More layers caused more monomers to spread and connect through the lattice, resulting in a series of loops all threaded together in a super-strong web akin to the metal links in chainmail. —Michael Franco, New Atlas, 17 Jan. 2025

Their new structures look very different from the highly symmetric ones inspired by the Leech lattice. —Quanta Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025

These often come in the form of a disorganized lattice. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English latis, from Anglo-French latiz

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing lattice

• lattice girder
• space lattice

Kids Definition

lattice

noun

lat·​tice ˈlat-əs 

1

a

: a framework or structure of crossed wood or metal strips

b

: a window, door, or gate having a lattice

2

: an arrangement of points or objects that is evenly spaced over an area or throughout a volume

the lattice of atoms in a crystal

latticed

-əst 

adjective

Medical Definition

lattice

noun

lat·​tice ˈlat-əs 

: a regular geometrical arrangement of points or objects over an area or in space: as

a

: the geometrical arrangement of atoms in a crystal

called also space lattice

b

: a geometrical arrangement of fissionable material in a nuclear reactor