diffusive

adjective

dif·​fu·​sive di-ˈfyü-siv 

-ziv

: tending to diffuse : characterized by diffusion

diffusive motion of atoms

diffusively adverb

diffusiveness noun

diffusivity

di-ˌfyü-ˈsi-və-tē 

-ˈzi-

noun

Examples of diffusive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, the study shows that the fractional impedance serves as a practical diagnostic tool for identifying diffusive behavior and refining device operational parameters, according to a press release. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025

Our love becomes more diffusive and unshakable. — Kathryn Jones Dunton, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Aug. 2025

Notice that the nearby surfaces aren't just reflected, but that the rendering engine accounts for how said reflections become more diffusive based on the materials and distance. — Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 30 May 2024

These miniprograms appear to be ephemeral, diffusive and almost atmospheric. — Jianqing Chen, The Conversation, 4 Oct. 2023

Current physical-collapse models suggest that this diffusive motion is only very slight. — Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 20 Oct. 2022

Choose ambient light sources muffled by diffusive domes or lampshades. — Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2022

The push to involve every corner of the space often has an unintentionally diffusive effect. — Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 13 Mar. 2018

The same basic phenomenon, called double-diffusive convection, creates layers of water in the ocean. — Joanna Klein, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2017

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin diffūsīvus, from Latin diffūsus, past participle of diffundere "to pour out over a wide surface, spread out, extend" + -īvus -ive — more at diffuse entry 2

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for diffusive

• abusive
• allusive
• collusive
• conclusive
• conducive
• delusive
• elusive
• exclusive
• extrusive
• illusive
• inclusive
• intrusive