† diaˈphanity Obs.
[ad. obs. F. diaphanité (Palissy, 16th c.) = Sp. diafanidad, It. diafanità, f. F. diaphane, It. diafan-o, med.L. diaphan-us: see diaphane and -ity.]
= diaphaneity.
| 1477 Norton Ord. Alch. iii. in Ashm. (1652) 42 A goodly stone glittering with perspecuitie, Being of wonderfull and excellent Diaphanitie. 1577 Dee Relat. Spir. i. (1659) 9 The Stone was of his natural Diaphanitie. 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. ii. i. 55 If it be made hot in a crusible..it will grow dim, and abate its diaphanity. 1664 Power Exp. Philos. i. 55 It was like a thin horn something diaphanous..which diaphanity might perchance hinder the appearance both of its cavity and angularity. |