diffusion

noun dif·fu·sion \di-ˈfyü-zhən\

Definition of DIFFUSION

: the action of diffusing : the state of being diffused

: prolixity, diffuseness

a : 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

b (1) : reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface (2) : transmission of light through a translucent material : scattering

: the spread of cultural elements from one area or group of people to others by contact

: the softening of sharp outlines in a photographic image

— dif·fu·sion·al \-ˈfyü-zhə-n^əl\ adjective

See diffusion defined for kids

First Known Use of DIFFUSION

14th century

Related to DIFFUSION

Synonyms: circumlocution, diffuseness, verbiage, garrulity, garrulousness, logorrhea, long-windedness, periphrasis, prolixity, redundancy, verbalism, verboseness, verbosity, windiness, wordage, wordiness

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

Rhymes with DIFFUSION

affusion, allusion, Carthusian, collusion, conclusion, confusion, contusion, delusion, effusion, elusion, exclusion, extrusion, illusion, inclusion, infusion, intrusion, Malthusian, obtrusion, occlusion, perfusion, prelusion, profusion, prolusion, protrusion, reclusion, seclusion, transfusion, Venusian

DIFFUSION Defined for Kids

diffusion

noun dif·fu·sion \di-ˈfyü-zhən\

Definition of DIFFUSION for Kids

: the act of spreading or allowing to spread freely

: the mixing of particles of liquids or gases so that they move from a region of high concentration to one of lower concentration

Medical Dictionary

diffusion

noun dif·fu·sion \dif-ˈyü-zhən\

Medical Definition of DIFFUSION

: 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

a : reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface b : transmission of light through a translucent material

—dif·fu·sion·al \-ˈyüzh-nəl, -ən-^əl\ adjective