diffluence

[dif-loo-uhns]

noun

1. the act of flowing off or away.

2. the act or process of dissolving into a liquid; liquefaction; deliquescence.

3. the rate at which fluid flow diverges along an axis perpendicular to the direction of flow at a given point.

Word History and Origins

Origin of diffluence¹

First recorded in 1625–35; difflu(ent) + -ence

Example Sentences

They could not have "moved," but probably "went to smash" by a process peculiar to infusoria, and which Dujardin politely describes as "diffluence."

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Meanwhile, the diffluence causes a spreading and flattening of the sarcode and swimming gives place to creeping, while the flagella violently lash.

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