lenticular
|len-tic-u-lar|
🇺🇸
/lɛnˈtɪkjələr/
🇬🇧
/lɛnˈtɪkjʊlə/
lens-shaped
Etymology
'lenticular' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'lenticula' (a diminutive of 'lens'), where 'lent-'/'lens' meant 'lentil' or 'lens' and the suffix '-cular/-aris' formed an adjective meaning 'relating to'.
'lenticular' came into English via Neo-Latin/Latin 'lenticularis' (from Latin 'lenticula'), ultimately from Latin 'lens, lentis' meaning 'lentil' or 'lens'; the term passed into English in scientific/technical contexts to describe lens-shaped forms.
Initially, the root referred to a 'lentil' (small lens-shaped seed); over time it evolved to mean 'lens-shaped' and extended to optical, geological, and printing-related senses now associated with 'lenticular'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
lenticularity: the quality or state of being lenticular (derived noun).
The lenticularity of the specimen was clear under magnification.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
shaped like a lentil or biconvex lens; lens-shaped.
The hill was capped by a lenticular cloud that looked like a hovering saucer.
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Antonyms
Adjective 2
relating to lenses or the properties of lenses (optics).
The designer used a lenticular element to reduce spherical aberration in the system.
Synonyms
Adjective 3
pertaining to lenticular printing or images produced using lenticular lenses (producing depth, motion, or image flip effects).
The company produced a lenticular poster that changed images as you moved past it.
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Adjective 4
describing lens-shaped features in geology or sedimentology (e.g., lenticular bedding).
Geologists noted lenticular bedding in the outcrop, indicating variable depositional conditions.
Synonyms
Adverb 1
lenticularly: in a lenticular manner; in the manner of a lens or lens-shaped form (derived adverb).
The images were arranged lenticularly to produce a sense of motion.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/11 15:40