Diffract - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To diffract means to bend or spread out waves, such as light or sound, as they pass around an obstacle or through an opening. This creates patterns of interference or scattering.
Definition:
To cause light or sound waves to bend or spread when passing through an opening or around an obstacle.
Synonyms:
disperse, scatter, deflect, bend
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
focus, concentrate
Common Collocations:
light diffracts, sound diffracts, diffract a beam, diffract around edges
Derivatives:
diffraction, diffractive, diffracting
Usage Tips:
Use "diffract" to describe how waves change direction when encountering obstacles or openings.
Common Phrases:
diffract light waves, diffract sound waves, diffraction pattern
Etymology:
From Latin "diffringere," meaning "to break apart," combining "dis-" (apart) and "frangere" (to break).
Examples:
- 1. The prism causes light to diffract into a rainbow of colors.
- 2. Sound waves diffract when they pass through a narrow doorway.
- 3. Scientists study how radio waves diffract around buildings.
- 4. The laser beam will diffract if aimed at a small slit.