diffuser

or dif·fu·sor

[ dih-fyoo-zer ]

/ dɪˈfyu zər /

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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.

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Origin of diffuser

First recorded in 1670–80; diffuse + -er¹

Words nearby diffuser

diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, diffused junction, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, diffuse mesangial proliferation, diffuse-porous, diffuser, diffuse waxy spleen, diffusible, diffusible stimulant, diffusing capacity, diffusion

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use diffuser in a sentence

It offers 4 speed settings for sufficient cooling, along with a built-in diffuser that provides a fine mist and spreads the scent of essential oils.
Beat the mid-summer heat wave with these powerful fans on sale|Quinn Gawronski|July 20, 2021|Popular-Science
Once the liquid reaches the top, it hits a diffuser that causes the fluid to splash down, creating an internal shower.
Why I Sent Myself to Vegetarian Boot Camp|mturner|July 15, 2021|Outside Online
An internal shock mount, sound diffuser, and other proprietary tech automatically reduce noise, so you’ll sound as good as the Lyra looks.
Best podcast microphone: Find the right gear to be your voice’s best friend|Billy Cadden|June 16, 2021|Popular-Science
The best hair dryer overall for curly hair will be equipped with ionic capabilities, multiple heat settings, diffuser attachment, and a cold shot button to seal in shine after hair has dried.
The best hair dryer: Get a salon-worthy blowout at home|Carsen Joenk|January 22, 2021|Popular-Science

Many will also come with a diffuser attachment or concentrator nozzle, but there is definitely room to expand.
The best hair dryer: Get a salon-worthy blowout at home|Carsen Joenk|January 22, 2021|Popular-Science
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
Here is an example of Spenser's diffuser style, taken from the second book of the Faerie Queene.
Milton|Sir Walter Alexander Raleigh
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
Fix the charcoal well with a spray diffuser and the usual solution of white shellac in spirits of wine.
The Practice and Science Of Drawing|Harold Speed

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