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 diffraction of light through the spores truly transforms the scene. —New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026

Low-frequency sound rolled through the corridors between buildings, spreading across blocks through reflection and diffraction. —Yook Jihun, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026

The hologram is precision programmed so that light arriving from a specific projector angle with specific wavelengths is redirected toward the driver’s display, using diffraction and reflection from the HOEs embedded within the windshield. —Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 17 Mar. 2026

The starburst effect is actually caused by optical diffraction, which reduces detail and can add drama to landscapes with the sun in frame and to scenes with small points of light. —Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 4 Mar. 2026

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)