Definition of DIFFRACTION

diffraction

Meanings

Plural: diffractions

Noun

  • when light passes sharp edges or goes through narrow slits the rays are deflected and produce fringes of light and dark bands
  • The bending of a wave around an obstacle.
  • The breaking up of an electromagnetic wave as it passes a geometric structure (e.g. a slit), followed by reconstruction of the wave by interference.

Origin / Etymology

From New Latin diffrāctiō (in which coined by Francesco Maria Grimaldi), from Latin diffrāctus, past participle of Latin diffringo (“to shatter, to break into pieces”). Coined in Physico-mathesis de lumine (1665) by Francesco Maria Grimaldi.

Scrabble Score: 20

diffraction is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
diffraction is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
diffraction is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 22

diffraction is a valid Words With Friends word