diffusion
- 01 C1 Advanced
the way gas or liquid molecules spread out and mix together naturally.
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.
Simple“The diffusion of the perfume meant that soon the whole room smelled like roses.”
In context“In biological systems, the diffusion of oxygen across cell membranes is a fundamental process for maintaining cellular respiration.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'of'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
the way that new ideas, languages, or customs spread from one group of people to another.
the process by which cultural traits, social institutions, or linguistic practices spread from one society or community to another.
Simple“The diffusion of Greek culture across the ancient world changed how people lived.”
In context“Sociologists study the diffusion of innovations to understand how new technologies are adopted by different segments of the population.”
UsageCommonly appears in the phrase 'cultural diffusion'.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the way light spreads out when it hits a rough surface or passes through something like a cloud.
the scattering of light by reflection from a rough surface or by transmission through a translucent medium.
Simple“The diffusion of sunlight through the thick curtains made the room feel soft and warm.”
In context“Photographers often use a screen to encourage the diffusion of light, which helps to eliminate harsh shadows on the subject's face.”
Synonyms
“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.”
Borrowed from Latin diffūsiō, from diffundō; can be decomposed as diffuse + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.