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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These leggings offer reliable compression, great opacity, and feel comfy from the first wear. Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 The opacity of the resulting works added yet another dimension to Eversley’s practice. News Desk, Artforum, 24 Mar. 2025 The White House’s unwillingness to state who its administrator is only adds to that sense of opacity. Theodore Schleifer, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025 This opacity fuels her push for mapping Toronto’s Black cultural ecosystem. Byron Armstrong, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opacity. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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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