lenticular

adjective

len·​tic·​u·​lar len-ˈti-kyə-lər 

1

: having the shape of a double-convex lens

2

: of or relating to a lens

3

: provided with or utilizing lenticules

a lenticular screen

Did you know?

"Lentil-shaped"—that's the meaning of Latin lenticularis, the parent of English's lenticular. It's an appropriate predecessor because a double-convex lens is one that is curved on both sides, giving it a shape similar to that of a lentil. English speakers borrowed the Latin term in the 15th century. Lenticularis, in turn, derives from lenticula, which is the source of the English word lentil and a diminutive of the Latin form lent-, lens, meaning "lentil." You probably won't be too surprised to learn that lent-, lens also gave English the word lens.

Examples of lenticular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Thinking Why Mount Shasta is a magnet for believers in the paranormal The mountain can generate lenticular clouds, which may contribute to its supernatural reputation. —Big Think, 24 June 2024

That was enough time to track Earth’s rotation, which makes stars appear as streaks of light even as the volcano’s lenticular crown stays put. —Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024

Fittingly lenticular clouds sometimes get compared to, or even mistaken for, flying saucers. —Isaac Schultz / Gizmodo, Quartz, 17 May 2024

The new album’s first-week sales were bolstered by its availability across six vinyl variants, a standard CD and a Target-exclusive CD with a lenticular cover. —Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin lenticularis lentil-shaped, from lenticula lentil

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Medical Definition

lenticular

adjective

len·​tic·​u·​lar len-ˈtik-yə-lər 

1

: having the shape of a double-convex lens

2

: of or relating to a lens especially of the eye

3

: relating to or being the lentiform nucleus of the brain