diffusive
adjective
dif·fu·sive di-ˈfyü-siv 
-ziv
: tending to diffuse : characterized by diffusion
diffusive motion of atoms
diffusively adverb
diffusiveness noun
diffusivity
di-ˌfyü-ˈsi-və-tē
noun -ˈzi-
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Choose ambient light sources muffled by diffusive domes or lampshades. 
Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2022 The effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive. New York Times, 30 Apr. 2020 The right of suffrage was much more diffusive in the Northern than the Southern States; and the latter could have no influence in the election on the score of the Negroes. Ellen Mcgirt, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2020 The push to involve every corner of the space often has an unintentionally diffusive effect. Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 13 Mar. 2018 The same basic phenomenon, called double-diffusive convection, creates layers of water in the ocean. Joanna Klein, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2017 Of course, Calvin Klein the fashion mega-house is strong as ever with a cult figure, Raf Simons, at the helm and many still-successful diffusive branches—underwear, jeans, home, fragrance. Lili Göksenin, GQ, 26 Oct. 2017 See More
Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2022 The effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive. New York Times, 30 Apr. 2020 The right of suffrage was much more diffusive in the Northern than the Southern States; and the latter could have no influence in the election on the score of the Negroes. Ellen Mcgirt, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2020 The push to involve every corner of the space often has an unintentionally diffusive effect. Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 13 Mar. 2018 The same basic phenomenon, called double-diffusive convection, creates layers of water in the ocean. Joanna Klein, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2017 Of course, Calvin Klein the fashion mega-house is strong as ever with a cult figure, Raf Simons, at the helm and many still-successful diffusive branches—underwear, jeans, home, fragrance. Lili Göksenin, GQ, 26 Oct. 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Medieval Latin diffūsīvus, from Latin diffūsus, past participle of diffundere "to pour out over a wide surface, spread out, extend" + -īvus -ive — more at diffuse entry 2
First Known Use
1600, in the meaning defined above
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- natural leader
- natural life
- natural light
- natural logarithm
- natural magnet
- natural minor scale
- natural number
- natural order
- natural parts
- natural period
- natural philosopher
- natural philosophy
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- natural price
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