diffusion
/dɪˈfjuːʒ(ə)n
/noun [mass noun]
1The spreading of something more widely: the rapid diffusion of ideas and technology...
- Through these, new subject matter and models were widely disseminated, with diffusion into book illumination and sculpture.
- But diffusion of ideas does not mean they are implemented; it only means they are talked about.
- Some skeptics have dismissed this diffusion of democratic ideas as ‘Westernization’ pure and simple.
Synonyms
spreading, scattering, dispersal, dispersing;
dissemination, disseminating, distribution, distributing, circulation, circulating, putting about, propagation, transmission, broadcasting, broadcast, promulgation, issuance
archaic bruiting
1.1The action of spreading the light from a light source evenly to reduce glare and harsh shadows.Some parts are painted white to assist with light diffusion, but the essential texture and character of the material is still legible....
- The beach seemed to shine in the moonlight; the water sparkled, reflecting the light in diffusion.
- Screen shots show the use of the curve, light diffusion and terracing to invite the player.
1.2 Physics The intermingling of substances by the natural movement of their particles: the rate of diffusion of a gas...
- Examples include the distribution of counterions on DNA, micelles, polymer diffusion, and liquid mixtures.
- Respiratory function tests generally show a persistent slight-to-moderate hypoxemia and a reduction of carbon monoxide diffusion.
- The difference could be attributed to errors on cell counts, natural variability, gas diffusion through tissue of intact pears, and other factors.
1.3 Anthropology The dissemination of elements of culture to another region or people.He accounts for this by cultural diffusion: any development which might have enabled one of the civilizations to forge ahead was borrowed and adopted by the other civilizations....
- According to world culture theorists, the diffusion took place in three phases.
- The cities he founded became the spring boards for the diffusion of Hellenistic culture.
Derivatives
diffusive
/ adjective (Physics ) ...- The barrier to penetration in this case is reactive rather than physical: the rate of deactivation of the antimicrobial exceeds the rate of diffusive penetration.
- Other interactions may also play a role, but our data are consistent with the simple picture that nucleosomal motion leads to more flexibility in the chromatin fibers and thus more diffusive motion.
- The diffusive hindrance data combined with imaging of the gels and permeability measurements suggest that unassembled collagen in the void spaces of the gel plays a role in hindering diffusion.
Origin
Late Middle English (in the sense 'pouring out, effusion'): from Latin diffusio(n-), from diffundere 'pour out'.