diffract

American  

[dih-frakt] / dɪˈfrækt /

verb (used with object)

1. to break up or bend by diffraction.

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diffract British  

/ dɪˈfrækt /

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo diffraction

   to diffract light

   the light diffracts at a slit

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Other Word Forms

• diffractive adjective
• diffractively adverb
• diffractiveness noun
• undiffracted adjective

Etymology

Origin of diffract

First recorded in 1795–1805; back formation from diffraction

Example Sentences

On that same solo album, Lynch covers “The Ballad of Hollis Brown,” using distorted vocals, diffracted keyboards and plodding beats to create a disorienting effect.

From Salon

In this form of investigation, x-rays are directed at the object of interest and the angles at which the rays are diffracted tell the researchers the object's arrangement of atoms.

From Science Daily

Light passing by these struts gets diffracted, resulting in more spikes, each one perpendicular to the strut itself.

From The Verge

Its intrinsic fluctuations would collide with those of the world like the diffracting ripples made by pebbles thrown in a pond.

From Salon

But these diffract and broaden as they travel, as does light or any other electromagnetic wave.

From Scientific American