diaphanous Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite so thin as to transmit light
    gauze-like; sheer; vaporous; see-through; gossamer; cobwebby; vapourous; filmy; transparent; gauzy.
    • a hat with a diaphanous veil
    • filmy wings of a moth
    • gauzy clouds of dandelion down
    • gossamer cobwebs
    • sheer silk stockings
    • transparent chiffon
    • vaporous silks

WordNet

Di*aph"a*nous adjective
Etymology
Gr. , fr. to show or shine through; through + to show, and in the passive, to shine: cf. F. diaphane. See Phantom, and cf. Diaphane, Diaphanic.
Definitions
  1. Allowing light to pass through, as porcelain; translucent or transparent; pellucid; clear.
    Another cloud in the region of them, light enough to be fantastic and diaphanous. Landor.

Webster 1913