diffusion

dif·fu·sion  (d-fyzhn)

n.

1. The process of diffusing or the condition of being diffused.

2. Needless profusion of words; prolixity.

3. Physics

a. The scattering of incident light by reflection from a rough surface.

b. The transmission of light through a translucent material.

c. The spontaneous intermingling of the particles of two or more substances as a result of random thermal motion.

4. The spread of linguistic or cultural practices or innovations within a community or from one community to another.

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dif·fusion·al adj.

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diffusion

Noun

1. the act of diffusing or the fact of being diffused; dispersion

2. Physics the random thermal motion of atoms and molecules in gases, liquids, and some solids

3. Physics the transmission or reflection of light, in which the radiation is scattered in many directions

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diffusion  (d-fyzhn)

1. The movement of atoms or molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Atoms and small molecules can move across a cell membrane by diffusion. Compare osmosis.

2. The reflection or refraction of radiation such as light or sound by an irregular surface, tending to scatter it in many directions.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	diffusion - (physics) the process in which there is movement of a substance from an area of high concentration of that substance to an area of lower concentration natural philosophy, physics - the science of matter and energy and their interactions; "his favorite subject was physics" natural action, natural process, action, activity - a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings); "the action of natural forces"; "volcanic activity" osmosis - (biology, chemistry) diffusion of molecules through a semipermeable membrane from a place of higher concentration to a place of lower concentration until the concentration on both sides is equal permeation, pervasion, suffusion - the process of permeating or infusing something with a substance transport - an exchange of molecules (and their kinetic energy and momentum) across the boundary between adjacent layers of a fluid or across cell membranes
	2.	diffusion - the spread of social institutions (and myths and skills) from one society to another spread, spreading - process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space mythology - myths collectively; the body of stories associated with a culture or institution or person
	3.	diffusion - the property of being diffused or dispersed dissemination dispersion, distribution - the spatial or geographic property of being scattered about over a range, area, or volume; "worldwide in distribution"; "the distribution of nerve fibers"; "in complementary distribution"
	4.	diffusion - the act of dispersing or diffusing something; "the dispersion of the troops"; "the diffusion of knowledge" dispersal, dispersion, dissemination spreading, spread - act of extending over a wider scope or expanse of space or time crop-dusting, spraying - the dispersion of fungicides or insecticides or fertilizer on growing crops (often from a low-flying aircraft)

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diffusion

noun spreading, distribution, scattering, circulation, expansion, propagation, dissemination, dispersal, dispersion, dissipation