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 1thermal 1b) agitation and in dissolved substances move from a region of higher to one of lower concentrationb 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
diffusionalplay \-ˈfyü-zhə-nəl\ adjective
Examples of diffusion in a Sentence
the author's tendency toward diffusion makes the novel a tedious read
Recent Examples of diffusion from the Web
Choose from a variety of dry-air diffusion capsules—seaside, espresso, even croissant.
Barrett, one the most charming and compelling designers on the schedule, is meeting Vogue Runway to discuss this long planned diffusion collection dedicated to working out.
Another left-wing node of conspiratorial diffusion can be found at The Palmer Report, a once relatively obscure pro-Hillary blog that has built a large following with its wildly speculative theories about Trump.
A top official at the French presidency said the new unit will notably determine strategies to fight against radicalization on the internet and diffusion online of instructions on how to carry out an attack.
Churchman’s nonchalant diffusion of authorship feels astutely au courant but also genuine.
Our sex life hadn't been mauled by depression, routine, or conflict as much as it had been mauled by distraction, diffusion, a surfeit of beauty.
Above Trump sits DKNY, the mid-market diffusion line created by designer Donna Karan.
The most important factor driving the long-term growth of health care costs has been the emergence, adoption, and widespread diffusion of new medical technologies and services.
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.
DIFFUSION Defined for Kids
Definition of diffusion for Students
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
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 surfaceb: transmission of light through a translucent material
diffusional\-ˈyüzh-nəl, -ən-əl\play adjective
Learn More about diffusion
See words that rhyme with diffusion Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for diffusion Spanish Central: Translation of diffusion Nglish: Translation of diffusion for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of diffusion for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diffusion
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