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

Made entirely from extruded aluminum, the design minimizes diffraction and maximizes strength by being built around the largest single-piece extrusion Magico has ever produced. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

The same diffraction effect that scatters light and reduces effective resolution causes small points of light to render as 14-point starbursts. —PCMAG, 2 Dec. 2024

In 1937, Clinton Davisson was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of electron diffraction in what became known as the Davisson-Germer experiment. —Michael Posner, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024

The bright spot of gold at the center is a galaxy, with diffraction spikes captured by the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2024

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

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)