opacity
UK: /əʊˈpæs.ə.ti/ | US: /oʊˈpæs.ə.ti/
n. the quality of being opaque; lack of transparency
n. (figurative) obscurity or ambiguity in meaning
opacity = opac<dark/cloudy> + ity<noun suffix>
- opac (from Latin opacus, meaning "shaded, dark, or cloudy")
- ity (noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality, from Latin -itas)
Etymology Origin:
The word "opacity" traces back to the Latin opacus, which described physical darkness or shade. Over time, it evolved to metaphorically represent anything obstructing clarity—whether literal (light-blocking materials) or abstract (unclear ideas). The suffix -ity systematically converts adjectives into nouns, solidifying "opacity" as a term for the state of being opaque.
The opacity of the frosted glass ensures privacy in the bathroom.
Critics condemned the policy for its opacity and lack of detailed plans.
High opacity in paints allows for better coverage of dark surfaces.
The poet’s deliberate opacity left readers debating the poem’s true meaning.
Scientists measured the opacity of the atmosphere during the eclipse.