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

: prolixity, diffuseness

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

diffusional

di-ˈfyü-zhə-nᵊl 

adjective

Synonyms of diffusion

• diffuseness
• repetition
• repetitiveness
• periphrasis
• prolixity
• windiness
• garrulity

Examples of diffusion in a Sentence

the author's tendency toward diffusion makes the novel a tedious read

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, China’s centralized political system, focused on control, is prioritizing AI diffusion, from driverless cars and the internet of things, to consumer applications and robots. —Jared Cohen, Time, 18 Feb. 2026

The full production process included wet chemical cleaning, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), phosphorus diffusion, atomic layer deposition (ALD), laser patterning, physical vapor deposition (PVD), isolation, and screen printing. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026

These equations represent phenomena that vary across space but not time, such as the pressure of water flowing through rock, the distribution of stress on a bridge, or the diffusion of nutrients in a tumor. —Quanta Magazine, 6 Feb. 2026

At the heart of many AI image generators are machine learning algorithms known as diffusion models. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diffusioun "outpouring (of speech)," borrowed from Late Latin diffūsiōn-, diffūsiō "pouring out (of liquids), watering of the eyes, abundance" (Latin, "geniality"), from Latin diffud-, variant stem of diffundere "to pour out over a wide surface, spread out, extend" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at diffuse entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for diffusion

• allusion
• collusion
• conclusion
• confusion
• contusion
• delusion
• effusion
• exclusion
• extrusion
• illusion
• inclusion
• infusion

Kids 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

diffusional

-ˈyüzh-nəl, -ən-ᵊl 

adjective