Diaphanous describes fabric so thin and delicate that light passes through it, making it almost see-through. A bride's veil might be diaphanous, letting soft light filter through the material. Curtains made of diaphanous silk allow sunlight to glow into a room while still providing some privacy.

It captures the quality of something being both present and transparent at the same time. Think of a dragonfly's wings: you can see them, but you can also see right through them to whatever lies beyond.

Writers often use diaphanous to describe things that seem light, airy, or delicate. A dancer might wear a diaphanous scarf that floats and ripples as she moves. Morning mist can be diaphanous, visible but not solid, there but not quite there. The word suggests something fragile and beautiful, like tissue paper or gossamer spider silk catching the morning light.