diffract
/dɪˈfrækt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
If something diffracts light, sound, or other waves, it makes them spread out after passing an edge, gap, or obstacle. In science, it often describes how waves bend and spread.
- The slit diffracted the light into bright bands.
- Sound can diffract around a doorway.
- The crystal diffracted the X-rays.
Adinary Nuance
Diffract is a technical word for waves spreading after meeting an obstacle or opening. It is more specific than bend, which is general, and more scientific than scatter, which is broader. In everyday English, most people would not use diffract unless they are talking about physics or optics.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- nhiễu xạ
- Spanish
- difractar
- Chinese
- 衍射
- Japanese
- 回折する
- Korean
- 회절하다
Etymology
Diffract comes from Latin diffringere, meaning “to break apart.” It entered English in scientific use, especially in optics and physics.
Common phrases
diffract lightdiffract X-raysdiffract through a slit
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is diffract a common everyday word?
- No. It is mostly used in science, especially physics and optics.
- What is the difference between diffract and refract?
- Diffract means waves spread around an edge or gap. Refract means light bends when it enters a new medium.
- Can I use diffract in business or daily conversation?
- Usually no. It sounds technical and is best for scientific writing or classwork.