diffraction

noun

dif·​frac·​tion di-ˈfrak-shən 

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

Examples of diffraction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The findings from the 2017 eclipse suggested another explanation, known as the diffraction-interference, might be responsible for shadow bands. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

The researchers analyzed all five types of mucus using various techniques, including proteomics, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, cryoscanning electron microscopy, and liquid chromatography. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026

The operando neutron powder diffraction technique was used to peer inside the battery interface. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

That’s not unlike classical diffraction gratings, whose periodic etchings split light into different colors and directions. — IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin diffrāctiōn-, diffrāctiō (Medieval Latin, "action of breaking in pieces"), from Latin diffrag-, variant stem of diffringere, diffrangere "to break up, break apart, shatter" (from dif-, assimilated form of dis- dis- + frangere "to break") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at break entry 1

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing diffraction

• diffraction grating
• X-ray diffraction

Rhymes for diffraction

• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• inaction
• infraction
• olfaction

Kids Definition

diffraction

noun

dif·​frac·​tion dif-ˈrak-shən 

: the bending or spreading of a beam of light especially when passing through a narrow opening or by the edge of an object

also : similar changes in other waves (as sound waves)

Medical Definition

diffraction

noun

dif·​frac·​tion dif-ˈrak-shən 

: a modification which light undergoes in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow slits or in being reflected from ruled surfaces and in which the rays appear to be deflected and to produce fringes of parallel light and dark or colored bands

also : a similar modification of other waves (as sound waves)