Word
diffraction
Phoneticsdif·frac·tion
US/dɪˈfɹækʃən/
UK/dɪfɹˈækʃən/
Definitions
01bending of waves
n. the way waves of light, sound, or water bend around an object or spread out after passing through a small opening.
n. the bending of a wave around the corners of an obstacle or through an aperture into the region of geometrical shadow of the obstacle.
“The diffraction of light through the tiny holes in the curtain created a beautiful pattern on the wall.”
“The experiment demonstrated the wave-like nature of electrons by observing their diffraction as they passed through a thin crystal lattice.”
Technical
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the physical phenomenon; countable when referring to specific instances or patterns.
Synonyms
02interference patterns
n. the patterns created when light waves break apart and join back together after hitting a surface.
n. the modification which light undergoes in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow slits, resulting in a series of light and dark bands.
“Scientists used X-ray diffraction to look at the structure of the DNA molecule.”
“By analyzing the resulting diffraction pattern, the researchers were able to determine the precise atomic arrangement of the new alloy.”
Technical
Usage
Often used in the context of 'diffraction pattern' or 'X-ray diffraction'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“During that brief interval, the researchers needed to record several properties of the material, including X-ray diffraction measurements capable of revealing its atomic arrangement.” “Every telescope has a diffraction limit, the finest detail its optics can physically deliver.” Etymology
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/diffraction