adj.
Pronunciation: d ī - ' a-f ə -n ə s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin diaphanus, from Greek diaphan ē s, from diaphainein to show through, from dia- + phainein to show ― more at FANCY
Date: 1614
1 : characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through < diaphanous fabrics>
2 : characterized by extreme delicacy of form : ETHEREAL <painted diaphanous landscapes>
3 : INSUBSTANTIAL , VAGUE <had only a diaphanous hope of success>
– di · aph · a · nous · ly adverb
– di · aph · a · nous · ness noun