lattice

lattice

1. an open framework of strips of wood, metal, etc., arranged to form an ornamental pattern

2. 

a. a gate, screen, etc., formed of such a framework

b. (as modifier): a lattice window

3. something, such as a decorative or heraldic device, resembling such a framework

4. an array of objects or points in a periodic pattern in two or three dimensions, esp an array of atoms, ions, etc., in a crystal or an array of points indicating their positions in space

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lattice [′lad·əs]

(civil engineering)

A network of crisscrossed strips of metal or wood.

(crystallography)

A regular periodic arrangement of points in three-dimensional space; it consists of all those pointsPfor which the vector from a given fixed point toPhas the formn₁a+n₂b+n₃c, wheren₁,n₂, andn₃are integers, anda, b,andcare fixed, linearly independent vectors. Also known as periodic lattice; space lattice.

(mathematics)

A partially ordered set in which each pair of elements has both a greatest lower bound and least upper bound.

(navigation)

A pattern formed by two or more families of intersecting lines of position, such as the hyperbolic lines of position from two or more loran stations.

(nucleonics)

An orderly array or pattern of nuclear fuel elements and moderator in a reactor or critical assembly.

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(theory)

lattice - A partially ordered set in which all finite subsets have a least upper bound and greatest lower bound. This definition has been standard at least since the 1930s and probably since Dedekind worked on lattice theory in the 19th century; though he may not have used that name. See also complete lattice, domain theory.