Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 27, 2024 is: translucent \trans-LOO-sunt\ adjective

Translucent describes something that is not completely clear or transparent but is clear enough to allow light to pass through.

// They admired the translucent gemstones on the display at the museum.

[See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/translucent)

Examples:

"What you want to buy are dry scallops, which have never been soaked or treated. Dry scallops are visually distinguishable from their wet counterparts: Their cylindrical edges are more clearly defined, while the firm meat has a moist sheen and looks almost translucent." — Tim Cebula, The Portland (Maine) Press Herald, 14 Jan. 2024

Did you know?

Let’s shine a light on translucent and a couple of its relatives. Look closely and you will see the same group of three letters in translucent, [elucidate](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elucidate), and [lucid](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lucid), illuminating the family relationship between the three words. All descend from the Latin word lucēre, meaning "to shine." Translucent is from lucēre plus [trans-](https://bit.ly/3vPdszl), which means "through"—hence, something translucent allows light to pass through. To elucidate something is to metaphorically shine a light on it by explaining it clearly; a lucid person is able to think clearly, and lucid writing is easy to understand. We hope this light explainer helps clarify things.