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

• circumlocution
• diffuseness
• garrulity
• garrulousness
• logorrhea
• long-windedness
• periphrasis
• prolixity
• redundancy
• verbalism
• verbiage
• verboseness
• verbosity
• windiness
• wordage
• wordiness

Examples of diffusion in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

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

PMIs are diffusion indexes with readings above 50 indicating expansion and readings below 50 indicating contraction. —Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

Around Huang’s keynote address, Nvidia executives and researchers will host panels on topics including extraterrestrial intelligence, diffusion models, autonomous vehicles, AI ethics, and cybersecurity. 💊 Robo-meds. —Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2024

Chroma uses diffusion models, the same type of model used in DALL-E 3, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and similar tools. —Bysage Lazzaro, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2023

Nightshade is a prompt-specific data-poisoning attack built to degrade diffusion models. —IEEE Spectrum, 26 Feb. 2024

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

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