diffraction

5 ENTRIES FOUND:

dif·frac·tion

noun \di-ˈfrak-shən\

Definition of DIFFRACTION

: 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 (as sound waves) or of moving particles (as electrons)

Origin of DIFFRACTION

New Latin diffraction-, diffractio, from Latin diffringere to break apart, from dis- + frangere to break — more at break
First Known Use: 1671

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: diffraction disk
Previous Word in the Dictionary: diffract
All Words Near: diffraction

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up diffraction? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Test Your Vocabulary

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Name That Thing

Take our visual vocab quiz

Test Your Knowledge »

True or False?

A quick quiz about stuff worth knowing

Take It Now »

Join Us on FB & Twitter

Get the Word of the Day and More

Facebook | Twitter

Get Our Free Apps

Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More

iPhone | iPad | Android | More