diffraction
n. uncountablen. the way light or sound waves spread out or bend when they pass through a small opening or hit an edge.
n. the process by which a wave is spread out as a result of passing through a narrow aperture or across an edge, typically accompanied by interference between the wave forms produced.
Diffraction causes the light to spread out as it passes through the slit.
The scientist observed the diffraction of light through a crystal to determine its internal atomic structure.
When light waves encounter an obstacle comparable in size to their wavelength, diffraction occurs, resulting in the characteristic bending and interference patterns observed in optical experiments.
From New Latin diffrāctiō (in which coined by Francesco Maria Grimaldi), from Latin diffrāctus, past participle of Latin diffringo (“to shatter, to break into pieces”). Coined in Physico-mathesis de lumine (1665) by Francesco Maria Grimaldi.
Uncountable in its general physical sense; can be countable when referring to specific instances or patterns.