opacity

noun

opac·​i·​ty ō-ˈpa-sə-tē How to pronounce opacity (audio)
plural opacities
1
a
: obscurity of sense : unintelligibility
b
: the quality or state of being mentally obtuse : dullness
2
: the quality or state of a body that makes it impervious to the rays of light
broadly : the relative capacity of matter to obstruct the transmission of radiant energy
3
: an opaque spot in a normally transparent structure (such as the lens of the eye)

Examples of opacity in a Sentence

the opacity of the glass Critics have noted the opacity of her writing style.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
From there, the teams took ownership of the 30% opacity wallpapers. Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 The opacity of such intelligence assessments, whether to journalists or to lawmakers, inevitably opens opportunities for political spin. David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 Perspective grids also have adjustable opacity, density, and color. PCMAG, 9 Oct. 2024 The release of such detailed information by the Vatican was highly unusual for an institution that is known more for secrecy, opacity and turning a blind eye to even obvious church crimes. Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for opacity 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French opacité shadiness, from Latin opacitat-, opacitas, from opacus shaded, dark

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of opacity was in 1575

Dictionary Entries Near opacity

Cite this Entry

“Opacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opacity. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

opacity

noun
opac·​i·​ty ō-ˈpas-ət-ē How to pronounce opacity (audio)
plural opacities
: the quality or state of being opaque

Medical Definition

opacity

noun
opac·​i·​ty ō-ˈpas-ət-ē How to pronounce opacity (audio)
plural opacities
1
: the quality or state of a body that makes it impervious to the rays of light
broadly : the relative capacity of matter to obstruct by absorption or reflection the transmission of radiant energy (as X-rays, infrared radiation, or sound)
2
: an opaque spot in a normally transparent structure (as the lens of the eye)

More from Merriam-Webster on opacity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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