diffract

[dih-frakt]

verb (used with object)

to break up or bend by diffraction.

Origin of diffract

First recorded in 1795–1805; back formation from diffraction

Related formsun·dif·fract·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for diffract

Historical Examples of diffract

Its cuticle is so ruled with fine lines as to diffract the light and flash on moving much as a fire opal.
The Nature of Animal Light
E. Newton Harvey

British Dictionary definitions for diffract

diffract

verb

to undergo or cause to undergo diffractionto diffract light; the light diffracts at a slit

Derived Formsdiffractive, adjectivediffractively, adverbdiffractiveness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for diffract

1803, perhaps a back-formation from diffraction. Related: Diffracted; diffracting.