diffract
[dih-frakt]
- to break up or bend by diffraction.
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Origin of diffract
First recorded in 1795–1805; back formation from diffraction
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 LightE. Newton Harvey
diffract
- to undergo or cause to undergo diffractionto diffract light; the light diffracts at a slit
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for diffract
1803, perhaps a back-formation from diffraction. Related: Diffracted; diffracting.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper