diffraction

[dih-frak-shuh n] /dɪˈfræk ʃən/

noun, Physics.

the phenomenon exhibited by wave fronts that, passing the edge of an opaque body, are modulated, thereby causing a redistribution of energy within the front: it is detectable in light waves by the presence of a pattern of closely spaced dark and light bands (diffraction pattern) at the edge of a shadow.

the bending of waves, especially sound and light waves, around obstacles in their path.

Origin

1665-75; < Neo-Latin diffrāctiōn- (stem of diffrāctiō) a breaking up, equivalent to Latin diffrāct(us) broken up (past participle of diffringere) + -iōn- -ion. See dif-, fraction

Can be confused

diffraction, diffusion, reflection, rarefaction, refraction.

Examples from the web for diffraction

But this x-ray machine has been augmented with x-ray diffraction technology that increases the machine's accuracy.
But physicists' ability to work with both types of waves is limited by scattering effects called diffraction.
The diffracted light is reflected onto a piece of paper which displays the diffraction pattern.
It is important for electron diffraction, so that fits.
diffraction techniques can provide data on a number of sample characteristics.
The majority of the light energy is then distributed into higher diffraction orders and absorption is increased.

British Dictionary definitions for diffraction

diffraction

/dɪˈfrækʃən/

noun

(physics) a deviation in the direction of a wave at the edge of an obstacle in its path

any phenomenon caused by diffraction and interference of light, such as the formation of light and dark fringes by the passage of light through a small aperture

deflection of sound waves caused by an obstacle or by nonhomogeneity of a medium

Word Origin

C17: from New Latin diffractiō a breaking to pieces, from Latin diffringere to shatter, from dis- apart + frangere to break

Word Origin and History for diffraction

1670s, from French diffraction (17c.) or directly from Modern Latin diffractionem (nominative diffractio), noun of action from past participle stem of Latin diffringere "break in pieces," from dis- "apart" (see dis-) + frangere "to break" (see fraction).

diffraction in Medicine

diffraction dif·frac·tion (dĭ-frāk'shən)
n.
Change in the directions and intensities of a group of waves after passing by an obstacle or through an aperture.

diffraction in Science

diffraction

(dĭ-frāk'shən)
The bending and spreading of a wave, such as a light wave, around the edge of an object. See more at wave.

diffraction in Culture

diffraction definition

The breaking up of an incoming wave by some sort of geometrical structure — for example, a series of slits — followed by reconstruction of the wave by interference. Diffraction of light is characterized by alternate bands of light and dark or bands of different colors.