diffusion

noun
dif·​fu·​sion | \ di-ˈfyü-zhən How to pronounce diffusion (audio) \

Definition of diffusion

1 : the state of being spread out or transmitted especially by contact : the action of diffusing the diffusion of knowledge
3a chemistry : the process whereby particles of liquids, gases, or solids intermingle as the result of their spontaneous movement caused by thermal (see thermal entry 1 sense 1b) agitation and in dissolved substances move from a region of higher to one of lower concentration

b physics

(1) : reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface
(2) : transmission of light through a translucent material : scattering
4 : the spread of cultural elements from one area or group of people to others by contact
5 photography : the softening of sharp outlines in an image

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Other Words from diffusion

diffusional \ di-​ˈfyü-​zhə-​nᵊl How to pronounce diffusional (audio) \ adjective

Examples of diffusion in a Sentence

the author's tendency toward diffusion makes the novel a tedious read

Recent Examples on the Web

Reporters do not understand the subtle diffusion of decision-making power within the Federal Reserve. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, "Edward Lotterman: Hooray for complexity in the Federal Reserve’s structure," 3 Aug. 2019 The second was Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), which uses the diffusion of water molecules in brain tissue to glean information about tissue integrity and microstructures. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Brain imaging weirdness adds to Cuba “health attack” mystery," 24 July 2019 But the same technology also creates an unprecedented ability to constrain or shape the diffusion of information. The Atlantic, "The Metamorphosis," 11 July 2019 Along with legs-for-days, Dion's look featured a diffusion of gold that arched over lids, brows, and temples, the warming hue punctuated by a heavy application of black eyeliner and ample lashes. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, "Céline Dion Rules the Met Gala Red Carpet With a Showgirl-Worthy Leg Reveal," 6 May 2019 Today, Polo Ralph Lauren, the heritage brand's diffusion line of preppy staples, is teaming up with FEED Projects on a debut capsule collection. Nicole Saunders, Harper's BAZAAR, "Polo Ralph Lauren Launches a Charitable Partnership with FEED Projects," 25 July 2019 Most luxury brands create diffusion offerings after launching an upscale product, aiming to democratize their services after catering solely to the 1 percent. Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Airbnb Just Launched Luxe—Making Castles, Villas, & More Available For Rent Worldwide," 27 June 2019 This faster diffusion of the inhibitor prevents pockets of activation from spilling over. Quanta Magazine, "Ancient Turing Pattern Builds Feathers, Hair — and Now, Shark Skin," 2 Jan. 2019 What other mathematical techniques can be applied, and how does this relate to diffusion? Quanta Magazine, "A Drunkard’s Walk in Manhattan," 18 Aug. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diffusion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of diffusion

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for diffusion

Middle English diffusioun "outpouring (of speech)," borrowed from Late Latin diffūsiōn-, diffūsiō "pouring out (of liquids), watering of the eyes, abundance" (Latin, "geniality"), from Latin diffud-, variant stem of diffundere "to pour out over a wide surface, spread out, extend" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at diffuse entry 2

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More Definitions for diffusion

diffusion

noun
dif·​fu·​sion | \ di-ˈfyü-zhən How to pronounce diffusion (audio) \

Kids Definition of diffusion

1 : the act of spreading or allowing to spread freely
2 : the mixing of particles of liquids or gases so that they move from a region of high concentration to one of lower concentration

diffusion

noun
dif·​fu·​sion | \ dif-ˈyü-zhən How to pronounce diffusion (audio) \

Medical Definition of diffusion

1 : the process whereby particles of liquids, gases, or solids intermingle as the result of their spontaneous movement caused by thermal agitation and in dissolved substances move from a region of higher to one of lower concentration
2a : reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface
b : transmission of light through a translucent material

Other Words from diffusion

diffusional \ -​ˈyüzh-​nəl, -​ən-​ᵊl How to pronounce diffusional (audio) \ adjective

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