diffraction

[dih-frak-shuhn]

noun

Physics.

1. the phenomenon exhibited by wave fronts that, passing the edge of an opaque body, are modulated, thereby causing a redistribution of energy within the front: it is detectable in light waves by the presence of a pattern of closely spaced dark and light bands diffraction pattern at the edge of a shadow.

2. the bending of waves, especially sound and light waves, around obstacles in their path.

diffraction

/ dɪˈfrækʃən /

noun

1. physics a deviation in the direction of a wave at the edge of an obstacle in its path

2. any phenomenon caused by diffraction and interference of light, such as the formation of light and dark fringes by the passage of light through a small aperture

3. deflection of sound waves caused by an obstacle or by nonhomogeneity of a medium

diffraction

1. The bending and spreading of a wave, such as a light wave, around the edge of an object.

2. See more at wave

diffraction

1. The breaking up of an incoming wave by some sort of geometrical structure — for example, a series of slits — followed by reconstruction of the wave by interference. Diffraction of light is characterized by alternate bands of light and dark or bands of different colors.

Word History and Origins

Origin of diffraction¹

1665–75; < New Latin diffrāctiōn- (stem of diffrāctiō ) a breaking up, equivalent to Latin diffrāct ( us ) broken up (past participle of diffringere ) + -iōn- -ion. See dif-, fraction

Word History and Origins

Origin of diffraction¹

C17: from New Latin diffractiō a breaking to pieces, from Latin diffringere to shatter, from dis- apart + frangere to break

Example Sentences

Watson became fascinated by the new technique of diffraction whereby X-rays were bounced off atoms to reveal their inner structures.

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There, he became interested in the new technique of diffraction, in which X-rays were bounced off atoms to reveal their inner structures.

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Once prepared, the optical signals pass through a diffraction operator that performs the feature extraction.

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Using his kitchen as a hide, he has also taken rare pictures of birds - showing the effect of diffraction on their wings, giving a rainbow effect.

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Light from the galaxy passes through a prism or reflects off a diffraction grating in a telescope, which captures the intensity of light from blue to red.

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Related Words

• emission