Word
diffusion
Phoneticsdif·fu·sion, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪfˈjuʒən/
UK/dɪfjˈuːʒən/
Definitions
01movement of particles
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the way gas or liquid molecules spread out and mix together naturally.
n. the net movement of molecules or atoms from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration as a result of random thermal motion.
“The diffusion of the perfume meant that soon the whole room smelled like roses.”
“In biological systems, the diffusion of oxygen across cell membranes is a fundamental process for maintaining cellular respiration.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02spreading of ideas or culture
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. the way that new ideas, languages, or customs spread from one group of people to another.
n. the process by which cultural traits, social institutions, or linguistic practices spread from one society or community to another.
“The diffusion of Greek culture across the ancient world changed how people lived.”
“Sociologists study the diffusion of innovations to understand how new technologies are adopted by different segments of the population.”
Usage
Commonly appears in the phrase 'cultural diffusion'.
Synonyms
03scattering of light
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the way light spreads out when it hits a rough surface or passes through something like a cloud.
n. the scattering of light by reflection from a rough surface or by transmission through a translucent medium.
“The diffusion of sunlight through the thick curtains made the room feel soft and warm.”
“Photographers often use a screen to encourage the diffusion of light, which helps to eliminate harsh shadows on the subject's face.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Once inside the joint, therapeutic compounds are released through diffusion and gradual relaxation of the hydrogel matrix.” “At room temperature, phonons generally scatter more frequently and quickly lose the coherence needed for wave-based transport, causing heat to spread through ordinary diffusion.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin diffūsiō, from diffundō; can be decomposed as diffuse + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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