diffraction
noun
dif·frac·tion
di-ˈfrak-shən 
: a modification which light undergoes especially in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow openings and in which the rays appear to be deflected
also
: a similar modification of other waves (such as sound waves) or of moving particles (such as electrons)
Examples of diffraction in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Many of the stars exhibit a bright glow and four points known as diffraction spikes, which are caused by starlight bending around Hubble's mirrors.
—
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025
This type of optical diffraction makes small points of light take on the shape of the aperture and render as 14-point starbursts, but their tines lack definition, streaking out into multiple lines.
—PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
The lens delivers its best results from f/2.8-8 as optical diffraction scatters incoming light and softens detail starting at f/11.
—PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025
The telescope also captured a number of large, bright stars with prominent diffraction spikes.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 3 Mar. 2025
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Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025
This type of optical diffraction makes small points of light take on the shape of the aperture and render as 14-point starbursts, but their tines lack definition, streaking out into multiple lines.
—PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
The lens delivers its best results from f/2.8-8 as optical diffraction scatters incoming light and softens detail starting at f/11.
—PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025
The telescope also captured a number of large, bright stars with prominent diffraction spikes.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for diffraction
Cite this Entry
“Diffraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffraction. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
diffraction
noun
dif·frac·tion
dif-ˈrak-shən
: the bending or spreading of a beam of light especially when passing through a narrow opening or by the edge of an object
also
: similar changes in other waves (as sound waves)
Medical Definition
diffraction
noun
dif·frac·tion
dif-ˈrak-shən
: a modification which light undergoes in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow slits or in being reflected from ruled surfaces and in which the rays appear to be deflected and to produce fringes of parallel light and dark or colored bands
also
: a similar modification of other waves (as sound waves)
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