Definitions for diffusiondɪˈfyu ʒən
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
dif•fu•siondɪˈfyu ʒən(n.)
the act of diffusing or the state of being diffused.
prolixity of speech or writing.
an intermingling of particles resulting from random thermal agitation, as in the dispersion of a vapor in air. a reflection or refraction of light or other radiation from an irregular surface or an erratic dispersion through a surface.
Category: Physics
a soft-focus effect in a photograph or film, achieved by placing a gelatin or silk plate in front of a light or lens or by the use of filters.
Category: Motion Pictures
the transmission of elements or features of one culture to another by nonviolent contact.
Category: Anthropology, Sociology
Origin of diffusion:
1325–75; ME < LL diffūsiō; see diffuse , -tion
Princeton's WordNet
diffusion(noun)
(physics) the process in which there is movement of a substance from an area of high concentration of that substance to an area of lower concentration
diffusion(noun)
the spread of social institutions (and myths and skills) from one society to another
dissemination, diffusion(noun)
the property of being diffused or dispersed
dispersion, dispersal, dissemination, diffusion(noun)
the act of dispersing or diffusing something
"the dispersion of the troops"; "the diffusion of knowledge"
Wiktionary
diffusion(Noun)
the act of diffusing or dispersing something, or the property of being diffused or dispersed; dispersion
diffusion(Noun)
the scattering of light by reflection from a rough surface, or by passage through a translucent medium
diffusion(Noun)
the intermingling of the molecules of a fluid due to random thermal agitation
diffusion(Noun)
the spread of cultural or linguistic practices, or social institutions, in one or more communities
diffusion(Noun)
Exchange of airborne media between regions in space in an apparently random motion of a small scale.
diffusion(Noun)
the movement of water vapor from regions of high concentration (high water vapor pressure) toward regions of lower concentration.
Origin: From diffusionem (accusative of diffusio), from verb diffundere.
Webster Dictionary
Diffusion(noun)
the act of diffusing, or the state of being diffused; a spreading; extension; dissemination; circulation; dispersion
Diffusion(noun)
the act of passing by osmosis through animal membranes, as in the distribution of poisons, gases, etc., through the body. Unlike absorption, diffusion may go on after death, that is, after the blood ceases to circulate
U.S. National Library of Medicine
Diffusion
The tendency of a gas or solute to pass from a point of higher pressure or concentration to a point of lower pressure or concentration and to distribute itself throughout the available space. Diffusion, especially FACILITATED DIFFUSION, is a major mechanism of BIOLOGICAL TRANSPORT.
The Standard Electrical Dictionary
Diffusion
A term properly applied to the varying current density found in conductors of unequal cross sectional area. In electro-therapeutics it is applied to the distribution of current as it passes through the human body. Its density per cross-sectional area varies with the area and with the other factors.
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