Definitions for diffract
dɪˈfræktdif·fract

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. diffractverb

   undergo diffraction

   "laser light diffracts electrons"

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. diffractverb

   To cause diffraction

2. diffractverb

   To undergo diffraction

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. diffract

   Diffraction is defined as the interference or bending of waves around the corners of an obstacle or through an aperture into the region of geometrical shadow of the obstacle/aperture. The diffracting object or aperture effectively becomes a secondary source of the propagating wave. Italian scientist Francesco Maria Grimaldi coined the word diffraction and was the first to record accurate observations of the phenomenon in 1660. In classical physics, the diffraction phenomenon is described by the Huygens–Fresnel principle that treats each point in a propagating wavefront as a collection of individual spherical wavelets. The characteristic bending pattern is most pronounced when a wave from a coherent source (such as a laser) encounters a slit/aperture that is comparable in size to its wavelength, as shown in the inserted image. This is due to the addition, or interference, of different points on the wavefront (or, equivalently, each wavelet) that travel by paths of different lengths to the registering surface. If there are multiple, closely spaced openings (e.g., a diffraction grating), a complex pattern of varying intensity can result. These effects also occur when a light wave travels through a medium with a varying refractive index, or when a sound wave travels through a medium with varying acoustic impedance – all waves diffract, including gravitational waves, water waves, and other electromagnetic waves such as X-rays and radio waves. Furthermore, quantum mechanics also demonstrates that matter possesses wave-like properties, and hence, undergoes diffraction (which is measurable at subatomic to molecular levels).The amount of diffraction depends on the size of the gap. Diffraction is greatest when the size of the gap is similar to the wavelength of the wave. In this case, when the waves pass through the gap they become semi-circular.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. diffract

   Diffract is the process in which a wave, such as light, sound, or an electron beam, spreads out after passing through a narrow aperture or across an edge, typically accompanied by interference between the wave forms produced. This interference and spreading out can result in the formation of a pattern or spectrum.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Diffractverb

   to break or separate into parts; to deflect, or decompose by deflection, a/ rays of light

2. Etymology: [L. diffractus, p. p. of diffringere to break in pieces; dif- = dis- + frangere to break. See Fracture.]

Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Diffract

   dif-frakt′, v.t. to break or separate into parts, as rays of light.—n. Diffrac′tion, a name for certain phenomena connected with light passing through a narrow opening or by the edge of an opaque body: the spreading of the rays, with interference phenomena, coloured and other.—adj. Diffrac′tive.—n. Diffrangibil′ity.—adj. Diffran′gible. [L. diffringĕre, diffractum—dis, asunder, frangĕre, to break.]

Matched Categories

1. • Separate

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

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How to pronounce diffract?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say diffract in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of diffract in Chaldean Numerology is: 4

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of diffract in Pythagorean Numerology is: 4

Popularity rank by frequency of use

References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=diffract
2. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Diffract
3. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffract
4. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
5. ^ Webster Dictionary
   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffract
6. ^ Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
   https://www.gutenberg.org/files/37683/37683-h/37683-h.htm#:~:text=diffract
7. ^ Usage in printed sources
   https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=diffract