diffusion
noun
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Definition of diffusion
1 : the state of being spread out or transmitted especially by contact : the action of diffusing the diffusion of knowledge
2 : prolixity, diffuseness
3a chemistry : the process whereby particles of liquids, gases, or solids intermingle as the result of their spontaneous movement caused by thermal (see thermal entry 1 sense 1b) agitation and in dissolved substances move from a region of higher to one of lower concentration
b physics
(1) : reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface
(2) : transmission of light through a translucent material : scattering
4 : the spread of cultural elements from one area or group of people to others by contact
5 photography : the softening of sharp outlines in an image
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Other Words from diffusion
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adjective
Synonyms for diffusion
Synonyms
circumlocution, diffuseness, garrulity, garrulousness, logorrhea, long-windedness, periphrasis, prolixity, redundancy, verbalism, verbiage, verboseness, verbosity, windiness, wordage, wordiness
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Examples of diffusion in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Kors Holdings acquired Jimmy Choo last year, setting itself apart from other fashion conglomerates that tend to grow in scale and revenue strictly via licenses, diffusion lines, and the acquisition of more mass-market labels. — Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Versace Is Not Becoming Michael Kors—the Same Way Jimmy Choo Didn't Become Michael Kors," 26 Sep. 2018 Homes are refuges from sun and heat, built with special features to promote airflow and encourage light diffusion. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Garden-filled house keeps cool with sandstone," 25 Sep. 2018 One end of the capsule contains a gas-permeable membrane that allows for fast diffusion of gut gases. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "With ingestible pill, you can track fart development in real time on your phone," 9 Jan. 2018 Furthermore, Kors' success is based upon his licensing and diffusion brands, like Michael Michael Kors, as well as his fragrance, timepieces, and accessories partnerships. — Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Versace Is Not Becoming Michael Kors—the Same Way Jimmy Choo Didn't Become Michael Kors," 26 Sep. 2018 Her research interests include contentious politics, digital media and the diffusion of ideas. — Julia Rone, Washington Post, "Bulgaria’s turn to lead the Council of the European Union just ended. How did things go?," 5 July 2018 What hasn’t always been true, though, is the diffusion of talent across the running-back and wide-receiver positions. — Michael Beller, SI.com, "Tips to Help You Ace Any Fantasy Football Draft," 4 July 2018 His playing, particularly on the newest songs, is interestingly precise and constrained, with an almost staccato attack at times that seems in contrast to the cosmic diffusion of the music overall. — John Adamian, courant.com, "From Sam Hunt And Reba To U2 And King X: A Week Of Big-Name Concerts," 23 June 2018 The fact that there is almost no gender homophily has consequences for information diffusion and also for data privacy. — Andrea Anderson, Scientific American, "Friends of Friends Can Reveal Hidden Information about a Person," 14 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diffusion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for diffusion
diffusion
noun
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Kids Definition of diffusion
1 : the act of spreading or allowing to spread freely
2 : the mixing of particles of liquids or gases so that they move from a region of high concentration to one of lower concentration
diffusion
noun
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Medical Definition of diffusion
1 : 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
2a : reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface
b : transmission of light through a translucent material
Other Words from diffusion
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adjective
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