diffusion

noun

dif·​fu·​sion di-ˈfyü-zhən 

1

: the state of being spread out or transmitted especially by contact : the action of diffusing

the diffusion of knowledge

2

: prolixity, diffuseness

3

a

chemistry : the process whereby particles of liquids, gases, or solids intermingle as the result of their spontaneous movement caused by thermal (see thermal entry 1 sense 1b) agitation and in dissolved substances move from a region of higher to one of lower concentration

b 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

diffusional

di-ˈfyü-zhə-nᵊl 

adjective

Synonyms

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

Examples of diffusion in a Sentence

the author's tendency toward diffusion makes the novel a tedious read

Recent Examples on the Web

To be as green as possible, the French maker of fragrance diffusion technologies Scentys introduced at Luxe Pack its new invention: sustainable, reusable capsules created with a blend of metal and plastic. —Jennifer Weil, WWD, 22 Oct. 2024

Popular on Variety The aroma will be activated at Alamo theaters via Joya Studio’s atomization technology, which employs cold-air diffusion to disperse scented molecules as fine, dry air without the use of heat, water or alcohol. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 22 Oct. 2024

Combining video diffusion with SMPL as a control signal is a huge win for companies training video diffusion models. —Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

The flow of fluid into the hole is relatively slow, however, and allows the diffusion of chemical signals away from the black hole. —The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diffusioun "outpouring (of speech)," borrowed from Late Latin diffūsiōn-, diffūsiō "pouring out (of liquids), watering of the eyes, abundance" (Latin, "geniality"), from Latin diffud-, variant stem of diffundere "to pour out over a wide surface, spread out, extend" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at diffuse entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

diffusion

noun

dif·​fu·​sion dif-ˈyü-zhən 

1

: a diffusing or a being diffused

2

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

3

: the scattering of light by reflection from a rough surface or by passage through a translucent material (as frosted glass)

Medical Definition

diffusion

noun

dif·​fu·​sion dif-ˈyü-zhən 

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

2

a

: reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface

b

: transmission of light through a translucent material

diffusional

-ˈyüzh-nəl, -ən-ᵊl 

adjective