Definition of diaphanous

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< diaper

diaphoresis >

di·aph·a·nous    (d-f-ns) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Of such fine texture as to be transparent or translucent: diaphanous tulle.
2. Characterized by delicacy of form. See Synonyms at airy.
3. Vague or insubstantial: diaphanous dreams of glory.

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ETYMOLOGY:
From Medieval Latin diaphanus, transparent, from Greek diaphans, from diaphainein, to be transparent : dia-, dia- + phainein, phan-, to show; see bh-¹ in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
dia·pha·nei·ty  (d-f-n-t) KEY  or di·apha·nous·ness(Noun), di·apha·nous·ly(Adverb)