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

There's a noticeable drop off in picture quality at the minimum f/16 aperture; optical diffraction softens the output, and the lens scores in the low register for the sensor, around 2,400 lines. —PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025

Laboratory analyses cited in the paper, including X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy, revealed molecular changes in bone consistent with exposure to heat at relatively low intensities, pointing to prolonged smoking rather than high-temperature burning or natural dry environments. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025

Two imaging methods — X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy — offered a closer view of the bones, revealing lingering signs of heat exposure that were invisible to the naked eye. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025

The bright stars with the diffraction spikes are closer to us in the foreground. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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)