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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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Definitions of diffraction from WordNet
Dictionary entries near diffraction
difficult
difficulty
diffidence
diffident
diffract
diffraction
diffuse
diffusion
dig
digamist
digamma