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definitions

diffract

[ dih-frakt ]
/ dɪˈfrækt /
|

verb (used with object)

to break up or bend by diffraction.

Nearby words

  1. diffident,
  2. diffidently,
  3. diffluence,
  4. diffluent,
  5. difflugia,
  6. diffraction,
  7. diffraction grating,
  8. diffraction halo,
  9. diffraction pattern,
  10. diffractive

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for 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

/ (dɪˈfrækt) /

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

diffract

v.

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

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper