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
After pouring in molds, removing air bubbles, and drying at room temperature for 24 hours, the team analyzed the twelve difference mixtures using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy and came up with a clear winner.
—
Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 24 Aug. 2023
Samsung’s nano-prisms use diffraction, rather than refraction, to bend the angle of incoming light.
—IEEE Spectrum, 13 Dec. 2023
Scientists also believe that several galaxy cores displaying pink-and-red diffraction spikes serve as signs that these galaxies may have central active supermassive black holes.
—USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2024
The latest image depicts a brilliant starburst pattern surrounding one of three giant molecular cloud complexes with a series of diffraction spikes.
—Bradford Betz, Fox News, 25 Jan. 2024
However, diffraction effects at the laser wavelengths used to put precise information inside these nanoscale color centers is an obstacle that has limited the amount of data that can be stored within the volume of each color center.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Jan. 2024
Since these mirrors are put together in a hexagon, there are six main diffraction spikes.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 25 Jan. 2024
The team then compared the electron diffraction patterns with those theoretically expected and from gold and found close agreement.
—The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 29 Nov. 2023
In this image, the Sunrise Arc appears as a red streak just below the diffraction spike at the 5 o’clock position.
—Julia Musto, Fox News, 10 Aug. 2023
Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 24 Aug. 2023
Samsung’s nano-prisms use diffraction, rather than refraction, to bend the angle of incoming light.
—IEEE Spectrum, 13 Dec. 2023
Scientists also believe that several galaxy cores displaying pink-and-red diffraction spikes serve as signs that these galaxies may have central active supermassive black holes.
—USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2024
The latest image depicts a brilliant starburst pattern surrounding one of three giant molecular cloud complexes with a series of diffraction spikes.
—Bradford Betz, Fox News, 25 Jan. 2024
However, diffraction effects at the laser wavelengths used to put precise information inside these nanoscale color centers is an obstacle that has limited the amount of data that can be stored within the volume of each color center.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Jan. 2024
Since these mirrors are put together in a hexagon, there are six main diffraction spikes.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 25 Jan. 2024
The team then compared the electron diffraction patterns with those theoretically expected and from gold and found close agreement.
—The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 29 Nov. 2023
In this image, the Sunrise Arc appears as a red streak just below the diffraction spike at the 5 o’clock position.
—Julia Musto, Fox News, 10 Aug. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diffraction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near diffraction
Cite this Entry
“Diffraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffraction. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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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