diffuser

or dif·fu·sor

[ dih-fyoo-zer ]

/ dɪˈfyu zər /

noun

a person or thing that diffuses.

(in various machines or mechanical systems, as centrifugal pumps or compressors) a device for utilizing part of the kinetic energy of a fluid passing through a machine by gradually increasing the cross-sectional area of the channel or chamber through which it flows so as to decrease its speed and increase its pressure.

(in a lighting fixture) any of a variety of translucent materials for filtering glare from the light source.

a pierced plate or similar device for distributing compressed air for aeration of sewage.

Nearby words

diffuse nebula, diffuse waxy spleen, diffuse-porous, diffused junction, diffusely, diffuser, diffusible, diffusible stimulant, diffusing capacity, diffusion, diffusion anoxia

Origin of diffuser

First recorded in 1670–80; diffuse + -er¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for diffuser

Here is an example of Spenser's diffuser style, taken from the second book of the Faerie Queene.
Milton|Sir Walter Alexander Raleigh
Never fear that you can be too prolix: the diffuser you are, the easier I shall forgive myself.
The Disowned, Complete|Edward Bulwer-Lytton
It seems probable that he was a diffuser of knowledge rather than an originator, but as a great teacher his fame is secure.
A History of Science, Volume 1(of 5)|Henry Smith Williams
The old idea of a librarian was that of a guardian or keeper of books—not a diffuser of knowledge, but a mere custodian of it.
A Book for All Readers|Ainsworth Rand Spofford

The most conspicuous addition made by Mr. Boyden was the diffuser.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 460, October 25, 1884|Various

British Dictionary definitions for diffuser

diffuser

diffusor

/ (dɪˈfjuːzə) /

noun

a person or thing that diffuses

a part of a lighting fixture consisting of a translucent or frosted covering or of a rough reflector: used to scatter the light and prevent glare

a cone, wedge, or baffle placed in front of the diaphragm of a loudspeaker to diffuse the sound waves

a duct, esp in a wind tunnel or jet engine, that widens gradually in the direction of flow to reduce the speed and increase the pressure of the air or fluid

photog a light-scattering medium, such as a screen of fine fabric, placed in the path of a source of light to reduce the sharpness of shadows and thus soften the lighting

a perforated plate or similar device for distributing compressed air in the aeration of sewage

a device, attached to a hairdryer, which diffuses the warm air as it comes out

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