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Opacity refers to the quality or state of being opaque, meaning something blocks the passage of radiant energy, especially light. This term is broadly used to describe the relative capacity of matter to obstruct the transmission of radiant energy.12

Opacity can also refer to obscurity of sense or unintelligibility, describing something that is hard to understand or explain. In a more specific context, it can denote an opaque spot within a normally transparent structure, such as the lens of the eye. The word originates from the Latin opacus, meaning shaded or dark.12

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