opaque

[oh-peyk]

adjective

1. not transparent or translucent; impenetrable to light; not allowing light to pass through.

   Synonyms: muddy, cloudy, murky

2. not transmitting radiation, sound, heat, etc.

3. not shining or bright; dark; dull.

4. hard to understand; not clear or lucid; obscure.

   The problem remains opaque despite explanations.

5. dull, stupid, or unintelligent.

noun

1. something that is opaque.

2. Photography.,  a coloring matter, usually black or red, used to render part of a negative opaque.

verb (used with object)

opaqued, opaquing 

1. Photography.,  to cover up blemishes on (a negative), especially for making a printing plate.

2. to cause to become opaque.

opaque

/ əʊˈpeɪk /

adjective

1. not transmitting light; not transparent or translucent

2. not reflecting light; lacking lustre or shine; dull

3. not transmitting radiant energy, such as electromagnetic or corpuscular radiation, or sound

4. hard to understand; unintelligible

5. unintelligent; dense

noun

1. photog an opaque pigment used to block out particular areas on a negative

verb

1. to make opaque

2. photog to block out particular areas, such as blemishes, on (a negative), using an opaque

opaque

1. Resistant to the transmission of certain kinds of radiation, usually light. Metals and many minerals are opaque to light, while being transparent to radio waves and neutrinos.

2. Compare translucent transparent

Other Word Forms

• opaquely adverb
• opaqueness noun
• subopaque adjective
• subopaquely adverb
• subopaqueness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of opaque¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English opake, from Latin opācus “shaded”

Word History and Origins

Origin of opaque¹

C15: from Latin opācus shady

Example Sentences

She appeared at our interview with opaque cat eye sunglasses and her signature shag haircut stylishly mussed.

From Los Angeles Times

Some homeowners said that has injected more uncertainty and unevenness into a process that’s already opaque.

From Los Angeles Times

But the government argues that even legitimate real-money gaming platforms run on "opaque algorithms" that makes it nearly impossible for users to win - a point some experts echo.

From BBC

"This trend is very worrying when opaque rules are now applied to make these take down decisions, especially in the current political climate," Prof Wachter said.

From BBC

With this line, and so many astute observations just like it that beautifully adorn “Sorry, Baby,” Victor hits something incredibly real, yet forever opaque.

From Salon

Related Words

• blurred www.thesaurus.com
• cloudy 
• dirty 
• dull 
• frosty 
• gloomy 
• hazy 
• impenetrable 
• murky 
• thick