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
The refills are recyclable, and the device features a dry diffusion technology.
—
James Manso, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024
As a diffusion index, readings above 50 translate to positive month-over-month improvement.
—Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
These are people navigating a world made increasingly unfamiliar by encroaching technology and the diffusion of their personal identities.
—Dan Schindel, Vulture, 21 June 2024
To be as green as possible, the French maker of fragrance diffusion technologies Scentys introduced at Luxe Pack its new invention: sustainable, reusable capsules created with a blend of metal and plastic.
—Jennifer Weil, WWD, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for diffusion 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
James Manso, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024
As a diffusion index, readings above 50 translate to positive month-over-month improvement.
—Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
These are people navigating a world made increasingly unfamiliar by encroaching technology and the diffusion of their personal identities.
—Dan Schindel, Vulture, 21 June 2024
To be as green as possible, the French maker of fragrance diffusion technologies Scentys introduced at Luxe Pack its new invention: sustainable, reusable capsules created with a blend of metal and plastic.
—Jennifer Weil, WWD, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for diffusion
Dictionary Entries Near diffusion
Cite this Entry
“Diffusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffusion. Accessed 30 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share