Main Entry:

dif·fu·sion

Pronunciation:

\di-ˈfyü-zhən\

Function:

noun

Date:

14th century

1: the action of diffusing : the state of being diffused2: prolixity, diffuseness3 a: 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 b (1): reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface (2): transmission of light through a translucent material : scattering4: the spread of cultural elements from one area or group of people to others by contact5: the softening of sharp outlines in a photographic image

— dif·fu·sion·al \-ˈfyü-zhə-n^əl\ adjective