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
Synonyms
Examples of diffusion in a Sentence
the author's tendency toward diffusion makes the novel a tedious read
Recent Examples on the Web
Intended for larger spaces, the display-worthy device has a remote control that manages its diffusion intensity.
—
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024
Look for a cold-air diffusion, like AromaTech AroMini BT, which breaks down the fragrance mist into nanoparticles that linger.
—Christina Cush, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2024
Imagen is a text-to-image diffusion tool that allows users to generate photorealistic imagery.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 24 Sep. 2024
View 1 Images So a diffusion model, denoising data, peak signal-to-noise-ratio, RL-agent, autoregressive model, and thermodynamics walk into a bar ...
—New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for diffusion 
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024
Look for a cold-air diffusion, like AromaTech AroMini BT, which breaks down the fragrance mist into nanoparticles that linger.
—Christina Cush, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2024
Imagen is a text-to-image diffusion tool that allows users to generate photorealistic imagery.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 24 Sep. 2024
View 1 Images So a diffusion model, denoising data, peak signal-to-noise-ratio, RL-agent, autoregressive model, and thermodynamics walk into a bar ...
—New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for diffusion
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diffusion.' 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 diffusion
Cite this Entry
“Diffusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffusion. Accessed 18 Oct. 2024.
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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