lenticular

adjective

len·​tic·​u·​lar len-ˈti-kyə-lər 

1

: having the shape of a double-convex lens

2

: of or relating to a lens

3

: provided with or utilizing lenticules

a lenticular screen

Did you know?

"Lentil-shaped"—that's the meaning of Latin lenticularis, the parent of English's lenticular. It's an appropriate predecessor because a double-convex lens is one that is curved on both sides, giving it a shape similar to that of a lentil. English speakers borrowed the Latin term in the 15th century. Lenticularis, in turn, derives from lenticula, which is the source of the English word lentil and a diminutive of the Latin form lent-, lens, meaning "lentil." You probably won't be too surprised to learn that lent-, lens also gave English the word lens.

Examples of lenticular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Located 100 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Eridanus, the galaxy, called NGC 1266, is what’s known as a lenticular galaxy. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 19 May 2026

Sixty per cent, so far, were in favor of an invisibility cape made from lenticular lenses. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

There’s a lenticular poster that also acts as one of the aforementioned layers. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 6 Mar. 2026

The designer reworked her signature trompe l’oeil lenticular print, where patterns appear blurred and in constant motion, across pleated fabric. — Violet Goldstone, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin lenticularis lentil-shaped, from lenticula lentil

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lenticular

• acicular
• articular
• curricular
• cuticular
• funicular
• navicular
• particular
• radicular
• reticular
• testicular
• vehicular
• acromioclavicular

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Medical Definition

lenticular

adjective

len·​tic·​u·​lar len-ˈtik-yə-lər 

1

: having the shape of a double-convex lens

2

: of or relating to a lens especially of the eye

3

: relating to or being the lentiform nucleus of the brain