diffraction

noun

dif·​frac·​tion di-ˈfrak-shən 

: a modification which light undergoes especially in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow openings and in which the rays appear to be deflected

also : a similar modification of other waves (such as sound waves) or of moving particles (such as electrons)

Examples of diffraction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The faceted front baffle eliminates diffraction and phase anomalies inherent in flat-front cabinets. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025

Similarly, the discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure is often attributed to James Watson and Francis Crick, but their breakthrough was built on the foundational work of many others, including Rosalind Franklin, whose X-ray diffraction images were critical to deciphering DNA’s structure. —Mark Nevins, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Unlike classical imaging, quantum techniques allow researchers to bypass some limitations of traditional optics, such as the diffraction limit and signal-to-noise constraints. —The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 17 Dec. 2024

Many of the stars exhibit a bright glow and four points known as diffraction spikes, which are caused by starlight bending around Hubble's mirrors. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin diffrāctiōn-, diffrāctiō (Medieval Latin, "action of breaking in pieces"), from Latin diffrag-, variant stem of diffringere, diffrangere "to break up, break apart, shatter" (from dif-, assimilated form of dis- dis- + frangere "to break") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at break entry 1

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing diffraction

• diffraction grating
• X-ray diffraction

Rhymes for diffraction

• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• inaction
• infraction
• olfaction

Kids Definition

diffraction

noun

dif·​frac·​tion dif-ˈrak-shən 

: the bending or spreading of a beam of light especially when passing through a narrow opening or by the edge of an object

also : similar changes in other waves (as sound waves)

Medical Definition

diffraction

noun

dif·​frac·​tion dif-ˈrak-shən 

: a modification which light undergoes in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow slits or in being reflected from ruled surfaces and in which the rays appear to be deflected and to produce fringes of parallel light and dark or colored bands

also : a similar modification of other waves (as sound waves)