diffusion
noun
dif·fu·sion
di-ˈfyü-zhən 
1
: the state of being spread out or transmitted especially by contact : the action of diffusing
the diffusion of knowledge
2
3
a
chemistry
: the process whereby particles of liquids, gases, or solids intermingle as the result of their spontaneous movement caused by thermal (see thermal entry 1 sense 1b) agitation and in dissolved substances move from a region of higher to one of lower concentration
b
physics
(1)
: reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface
(2)
: transmission of light through a translucent material : scattering
4
: the spread of cultural elements from one area or group of people to others by contact
5
photography
: the softening of sharp outlines in an image
Examples of diffusion in a Sentence
the author's tendency toward diffusion makes the novel a tedious read
Recent Examples on the Web
Using fractional diffusion theory, the research deepens understanding of transient charging behaviors in complex materials, which is key to designing high-performance components used for advanced engineering electrochemical systems in general.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Using a combination of nanotechnological and analogue diffusion devices, these scents permeate the surrounding garden.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
In 2013, Donatella Versace hired Vaccarello to lead Versus, her diffusion line, replacing Jonathan Anderson, who left to become creative director of Loewe.
—Rob Haskell, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
Along with a proprietary wax, the candles are designed with lead-free cotton wicks for an elevated burning experience and optimal fragrance diffusion.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for diffusion
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Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Using a combination of nanotechnological and analogue diffusion devices, these scents permeate the surrounding garden.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
In 2013, Donatella Versace hired Vaccarello to lead Versus, her diffusion line, replacing Jonathan Anderson, who left to become creative director of Loewe.
—Rob Haskell, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
Along with a proprietary wax, the candles are designed with lead-free cotton wicks for an elevated burning experience and optimal fragrance diffusion.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for diffusion
Cite this Entry
“Diffusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffusion. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
diffusion
noun
dif·fu·sion
dif-ˈyü-zhən
1
: a diffusing or a being diffused
2
: the mixing of particles of liquids, gases, or solids so that they move from a region of high concentration to one of lower concentration
3
: the scattering of light by reflection from a rough surface or by passage through a translucent material (as frosted glass)
Medical Definition
diffusion
noun
dif·fu·sion
dif-ˈyü-zhən
1
: the process whereby particles of liquids, gases, or solids intermingle as the result of their spontaneous movement caused by thermal agitation and in dissolved substances move from a region of higher to one of lower concentration
2
a
: reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface
b
: transmission of light through a translucent material
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