diffusion

noun

dif·​fu·​sion di-ˈfyü-zhən How to pronounce diffusion (audio)
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
diffusional adjective

Examples of diffusion in a Sentence

the author's tendency toward diffusion makes the novel a tedious read
Recent Examples on the Web Nightshade is a prompt-specific data-poisoning attack built to degrade diffusion models. IEEE Spectrum, 26 Feb. 2024 Interpol is estimated to have rejected or deleted an average of 1,000 Red Notices and wanted person diffusions annually over the past five years, according to Interpol data analyzed by the U.K.-based nongovernmental organization Fair Trials. Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 22 Feb. 2024 OpenAI reveals that the diffusion model starts off with something that looks like noise, and starts removing that noise incrementally. John Werner, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Molecules generally move around the cell by diffusion, buffeted by all the other surrounding molecules, such as water, and wandering in random directions. Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024 This often leads to inflated inventory costs and a diffusion of the brand's impact. David Stubblefield, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2024 As mentioned, Stable Audio isn't the first music generator based on latent diffusion techniques. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 13 Sep. 2023 More recently, researchers have turned to physical processes besides diffusion to explore new ways for machines to generate images. Quanta Magazine, 20 Dec. 2023 The expectation is for the diffusion index to show a slight contraction, but upside surprises in China’s economic data are becoming more frequent. Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023

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.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diffusioun "outpouring (of speech)," borrowed from Late Latin diffūsiōn-, diffūsiō "pouring out (of liquids), watering of the eyes, abundance" (Latin, "geniality"), from Latin diffud-, variant stem of diffundere "to pour out over a wide surface, spread out, extend" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at diffuse entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of diffusion was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near diffusion

Cite this Entry

“Diffusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffusion. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

diffusion

noun
dif·​fu·​sion dif-ˈyü-zhən How to pronounce diffusion (audio)
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 How to pronounce diffusion (audio)
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
diffusional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on diffusion

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