Transparant

Transparant is the Dutch adjective meaning see-through or clear. It is used for materials that allow light to pass with little scattering, and for abstract concepts like processes that are easy to observe. The standard Dutch noun for the quality is transparantie, and the English cognate transparency is used in similar contexts.

Physical transparency: In materials science, transparency refers to the degree to which light passes through a material without being absorbed or scattered. Transmission depends on wavelength, thickness, composition, and surface finish. Common transparent materials include glass and certain polymers; some may be transparent only for parts of the spectrum (e.g., UV-opaque or IR-opaque). The term is also used for inks, films, and coatings with high transmittance.

Applications and examples: Windows, screens, optical lenses, packaging, solar cells use transparent substrates. Transparent conductive films like ITO allow electrical conduction while remaining optically clear.

Figurative use: In governance and business, transparency refers to openness about decisions, data, and processes to enable scrutiny, accountability, and trust. Benefits include reduced corruption and improved participation; downsides include the risk of exposing sensitive information or reducing privacy.

Etymology and related terms: From Latin transparans, via French transparant and Dutch. Related terms: opacity, translucency, clarity, openness. Also note spelling: in Dutch, transparant is standard; in English, transparent.