Diffraction
/dɪˈfrækʃn/noun
A bending of light or sound around an object or corner.
The diffraction of the sunlight through the glass caused a rainbow pattern on the floor.
Often appears as...
- diffraction pattern
- diffraction grating
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Scientific Context
Used mainly in physics and engineering to describe wave behavior.
In our physics class, we discussed light diffraction and its effects.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Just Light
Diffraction can also apply to sound waves bending around obstacles.
The diffraction of sound around the building allowed us to hear the music.
Pro Tip 3/3Observable Phenomenon
Diffraction creates patterns that can be seen, like rainbows from a CD.
We observed a colorful diffraction pattern when shining a light on a CD.
Compare with
deflectiondeviatedispersaldispersiondiversionreflectionrefractionscatter
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