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diffract (v.)
1803, in optics, "to break up (a beam of light) by deflecting it from a right line," perhaps a back-formation from diffraction. In acoustics by 1825. Related: Diffracted; diffracting.
Entries linking to diffract
diffraction (n.)
in optics, "the spreading of light or deflection of its rays," 1670s, from French diffraction (17c.) or directly from Modern Latin diffractionem (nominative diffractio), noun of action from past-participle stem of Latin diffringere "break apart in pieces," from dis- "apart" (see dis-) + frangere "to break" (from PIE root *bhreg- "to break").
updated on October 13, 2021
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Dictionary entries near diffract
differentiation
difficult
difficulty
diffidence
diffident
diffract
diffraction
diffuse
diffusion
dig
digamist
