Diffract
verb
To cause (light, sound, etc.) to change direction or spread out in a way that isn't straight.
When light passes through a prism, it diffracts into a beautiful range of colors.
Often appears as...
- diffract light
- diffract waves
verb
In physics, it's when a wave, such as light or sound, bends around an obstacle, or spreads after it goes through a gap.
In the experiment, the researcher was studying how water waves diffract after hitting a barrier.
Often appears as...
- diffract waves
- diffract light
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
verb
To cause (light, sound, etc.) to change direction or spread out in a way that isn't straight.
When light passes through a prism, it diffracts into a beautiful range of colors.
Often appears as...
- diffract light
- diffract waves
verb
In physics, it's when a wave, such as light or sound, bends around an obstacle, or spreads after it goes through a gap.
In the experiment, the researcher was studying how water waves diffract after hitting a barrier.
Often appears as...
- diffract waves
- diffract light
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Visual Imagery
Imagine light as water: when it hits something, it ripples and spreads like waves.
The morning sunlight diffracted through the leaves, creating patterns on the ground.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-Straight Path
Diffract means the path isn't straight—an obstacle alters it.
I watched the laser light diffract around the glass edges.
Pro Tip 3/3Spread Out Effect
After diffracting, waves fan out from a narrow space to a wider area.
The sound diffracted through the open door, filling the hallway.
Pro Tip 1/3Visual Imagery
Imagine light as water: when it hits something, it ripples and spreads like waves.
The morning sunlight diffracted through the leaves, creating patterns on the ground.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-Straight Path
Diffract means the path isn't straight—an obstacle alters it.
I watched the laser light diffract around the glass edges.
Pro Tip 3/3Spread Out Effect
After diffracting, waves fan out from a narrow space to a wider area.
The sound diffracted through the open door, filling the hallway.
Pro Tip 1/3Visual Imagery
Imagine light as water: when it hits something, it ripples and spreads like waves.
The morning sunlight diffracted through the leaves, creating patterns on the ground.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-Straight Path
Diffract means the path isn't straight—an obstacle alters it.
I watched the laser light diffract around the glass edges.
Pro Tip 3/3Spread Out Effect
After diffracting, waves fan out from a narrow space to a wider area.
The sound diffracted through the open door, filling the hallway.
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