Main Entry:

dif·frac·tion

Pronunciation:

\di-ˈfrak-shən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

New Latin diffraction-, diffractio, from Latin diffringere to break apart, from dis- + frangere to break — more at break

Date:

1671

: 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)