noun
opacity
oh-PASS-uh-tee/əʊˈpæsəti/
The degree to which something blocks light or a view through it.
The frosted panel's opacity reduces the apple behind it to an indistinct red shape.
Etymology
Opacus evokes shade and darkness, with the suffix naming a quality. In English, opacity first described obscurity of meaning, then also the physical quality of blocking light.
In context
it's for the Supreme Court to decide whether or not individuals can lodge freedom of information requests uh for political parties that would help to break down this opacity.
More examples
- The glass has enough opacity to provide privacy without blocking all sunlight.
- Another coat of paint increases its opacity.
- Lower the image's opacity to reveal the background beneath it.
Forms
opacity · opacities
opaque adjective — Not allowing light to pass through.
Similar words
- opaqueness
- Names the light-blocking quality rather than emphasizing its degree.
- cloudiness
- Suggests a hazy appearance that may still let light through.