diffraction

American  

[dih-frak-shuhn] / dɪˈfræk ʃən /

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.

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diffraction British  

/ 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

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diffraction Scientific  

/ dĭ-frăk′shən /

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

2. See more at wave

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diffraction Cultural  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of diffraction

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

Explanation

Diffraction is the process of light bending around an obstacle or spreading out after it moves through a small space. If you study physics, you'll learn about the diffraction of light waves. Any kind of wave can experience diffraction, including sound, radio, and water. It's most common to hear about the diffraction of light, which can be seen in the reflection of an image through a pinhole camera or the bright ring of light around the sun or the moon. The root of diffraction is the Latin word diffringere, "break into pieces," from dis, "apart," and frangere, "to break."

Example Sentences

"We do this in a sequential way, and at each position, we acquire a diffraction pattern," Zhu explains.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

This method involves scanning a nanoscale beam of high energy electrons across the material and recording the diffraction patterns that result.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

Scientists later confirmed this effect with neutrons, helium atoms, and even larger molecules, establishing matter-wave diffraction as a key principle of quantum mechanics.

From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026

In addition to confirming its quantum properties, positronium diffraction could lead to practical applications.

From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026

Perhaps Franklin would consider studying the diffraction patterns of these fibers and deduce a structure?

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Related Words

• emission