adj. 1 allowing light to pass through so that bodies can be distinctly seen (cf. TRANSLUCENT). 2 a (of a disguise, pretext, etc.) easily seen through. b (of a motive, quality, etc.) easily discerned; evident; obvious. 3 (of a person etc.) easily understood; frank; open. 4 Physics transmitting heat or other electromagnetic rays without distortion. transparently adv. transparentness n.
[ ME f. OF f. med.L transparens f. L transparere shine through (as TRANS-, parere appear) ]