diffusion
noun
dif·fu·sion
di-ˈfyü-zhən 
1
: the state of being spread out or transmitted especially by contact : the action of diffusing
the diffusion of knowledge
2
3
a
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
Synonyms
Examples of diffusion in a Sentence
the author's tendency toward diffusion makes the novel a tedious read
Recent Examples on the Web
Shweta Bansal is a professor of biology at Georgetown University whose research focuses on how population connectivity drives the transmission and diffusion of infectious diseases in human and animal populations.
—
Shweta Bansal and Colleen Webb, STAT, 7 May 2024
This helped accelerate the diffusion of information from the underground into the mainstream, not only providing sophisticated consumers with an exciting stream of unfamiliar ideas but also breathing new life into mass culture.
—W. David Marx, The Atlantic, 1 May 2024
Gartner finds that the capability diffusion model is more sustainable for FP&A teams to keep up with demand.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2024
Then ‘the Generator’ employs an array of diffusion models and other image-generators to produce images and copy closely allied to that BookDNA.
—Molly Flatt, Fortune Europe, 17 Apr. 2024
To look for differences in the participants’ brains, the scientists used imaging known as high-quality diffusion MRI, which doctors typically use to check for conditions such as a stroke, a brain tumor, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
—Katie Bo Lillis, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024
First, the gift cost your friend nothing: The painting was presumably generated by one of the free diffusion models that are available online, and so required zero monetary sacrifice.
—Meghan O'Gieblyn, WIRED, 20 Feb. 2024
Between the diffusion of effort and the limited training of key units, in this view, the Ukrainians were left without the ability to use the assets at their disposal effectively.
—Stephen Biddle, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2024
More broadly, in any solution with a concentration gradient, the force of diffusion propels whatever larger particles happen to be hanging around.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 8 Jan. 2024
Shweta Bansal and Colleen Webb, STAT, 7 May 2024
This helped accelerate the diffusion of information from the underground into the mainstream, not only providing sophisticated consumers with an exciting stream of unfamiliar ideas but also breathing new life into mass culture.
—W. David Marx, The Atlantic, 1 May 2024
Gartner finds that the capability diffusion model is more sustainable for FP&A teams to keep up with demand.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2024
Then ‘the Generator’ employs an array of diffusion models and other image-generators to produce images and copy closely allied to that BookDNA.
—Molly Flatt, Fortune Europe, 17 Apr. 2024
To look for differences in the participants’ brains, the scientists used imaging known as high-quality diffusion MRI, which doctors typically use to check for conditions such as a stroke, a brain tumor, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
—Katie Bo Lillis, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024
First, the gift cost your friend nothing: The painting was presumably generated by one of the free diffusion models that are available online, and so required zero monetary sacrifice.
—Meghan O'Gieblyn, WIRED, 20 Feb. 2024
Between the diffusion of effort and the limited training of key units, in this view, the Ukrainians were left without the ability to use the assets at their disposal effectively.
—Stephen Biddle, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2024
More broadly, in any solution with a concentration gradient, the force of diffusion propels whatever larger particles happen to be hanging around.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 8 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diffusion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near diffusion
Cite this Entry
“Diffusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffusion. Accessed 10 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
diffusion
noun
dif·fu·sion
dif-ˈyü-zhən
1
: a diffusing or a being diffused
2
: the mixing of particles of liquids, gases, or solids so that they move from a region of high concentration to one of lower concentration
3
: the scattering of light by reflection from a rough surface or by passage through a translucent material (as frosted glass)
Medical Definition
diffusion
noun
dif·fu·sion
dif-ˈyü-zhən
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
2
a
: reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface
b
: transmission of light through a translucent material
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