diffuse

²dif·fuse

verb \di-ˈfyüz\

dif·fuseddif·fus·ing

Definition of DIFFUSE

transitive verb

1

a : to pour out and permit or cause to spread freely b : extend, scatter c : to spread thinly or wastefully

2

: to subject to diffusion; especially : to break up and distribute (incident light) by reflection

intransitive verb

1

: to spread out or become transmitted especially by contact

2

: to undergo diffusion

— dif·fus·ible \di-ˈfyü-zə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of DIFFUSE

1. The heat from the radiator diffuses throughout the room.
2. The heat was diffused throughout the room.
3. The photographer uses a screen to diffuse the light.
4. an area of diffused light

Origin of DIFFUSE

Middle English diffused, past participle, from Latin diffusus, past participle

First Known Use: 14th century