diffraction

dif·frac·tion  (d-frkshn)

n.

Change in the directions and intensities of a group of waves after passing by an obstacle or through an aperture whose size is approximately the same as the wavelength of the waves.

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[New Latin diffrcti, diffrctin-, from Latin diffrctus, past participle of diffringere : dis-, apart; see dis- + frangere, to break; see bhreg- in Indo-European roots.]

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diffraction

Noun

1. Physics a deviation in the direction of a wave at the edge of an obstacle in its path

2. the formation of light and dark fringes by the passage of light through a small aperture [Latin diffringere to shatter]

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diffraction  (d-frkshn)

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

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

diffraction - when light passes sharp edges or goes through narrow slits the rays are deflected and produce fringes of light and dark bands optical phenomenon - a physical phenomenon related to or involving light X-ray diffraction - the scattering of X rays by the atoms of a crystal; the diffraction pattern shows structure of the crystal