x-ray diffraction

noun

, Physics.

1. diffraction of x-rays by the regularly spaced atoms of a crystal, useful for determining the arrangement of the atoms.

X-ray diffraction

noun

1. the scattering of X-rays on contact with matter, resulting in changes in radiation intensity, which is used for studying atomic structure

x-ray diffraction

1. The scattering of x-rays by crystal atoms, producing a diffraction pattern that yields information about the structure of the crystal. X-ray diffraction is used in x-ray crystallography .

Word History and Origins

Origin of x-ray diffraction¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

X-ray-diffraction studies showed no material differences, nor were there detectable differences in “feel”, smell, or plasticity.

From Project Gutenberg