diffraction

[ dih-frak-shuhn ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the phenomenon exhibited by wave fronts that, passing the edge of an opaque body, are modulated, thereby causing a redistribution of energy within the front: it is detectable in light waves by the presence of a pattern of closely spaced dark and light bands diffraction pattern at the edge of a shadow.
2. the bending of waves, especially sound and light waves, around obstacles in their path.

diffraction

/ dɪˈfrækʃən /

noun

1. physics a deviation in the direction of a wave at the edge of an obstacle in its path
2. any phenomenon caused by diffraction and interference of light, such as the formation of light and dark fringes by the passage of light through a small aperture
3. deflection of sound waves caused by an obstacle or by nonhomogeneity of a medium

diffraction

/ dĭ-frăk′shən /

1. The bending and spreading of a wave, such as a light wave, around the edge of an object.
2. See more at wave

diffraction

1. The breaking up of an incoming wave by some sort of geometrical structure — for example, a series of slits — followed by reconstruction of the wave by interference . Diffraction of light is characterized by alternate bands of light and dark or bands of different colors.

Word History and Origins

Origin of diffraction¹

1665–75; < New Latin diffrāctiōn- (stem of diffrāctiō ) a breaking up, equivalent to Latin diffrāct ( us ) broken up (past participle of diffringere ) + -iōn- -ion. See dif-, fraction

Word History and Origins

Origin of diffraction¹

C17: from New Latin diffractiō a breaking to pieces, from Latin diffringere to shatter, from dis- apart + frangere to break

Example Sentences

One PSF basically describes how an infinitely small point source of light originating in the sample is widened and spread into a three-dimensional diffraction pattern by the optical system.

From Science Daily

"A typical diffraction pattern would produce evenly spaced fringes if we just had a neutron star as a shield," the KU researcher said.

From Science Daily

They used two types of x-ray diffraction analysis to explore the encapsulation process as it happened.

From Science Daily

Furthermore, to elucidate the role of the halogen bonds in the above-mentioned photoinduced sequential dynamics, the researchers conducted quantum chemistry calculations using the ultrafast electron diffraction results.

From Science Daily

This is called a 'Fresnel lens' or 'zone plate lens', and it focuses light using diffraction rather than refraction.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• emission