WordValediffraction
the spreading of waves as they pass an obstacle or slit
In more detail
1. (noun) the bending of light, sound, or other waves as they pass through an opening or around an obstacle
2. (noun) the spreading out of waves that occurs when they encounter a barrier or opening
Examples
- 1. Light diffraction through a narrow slit creates a pattern of bright and dark bands.
- 2. You can hear sound diffraction when audio waves bend around a corner.
How to use diffraction
Diffraction is a technical term used primarily in physics and optics to describe the specific phenomenon of waves bending around obstacles or through openings. It is distinct from refraction, which refers to the bending of waves entering a different medium. The term is used in formal scientific and academic contexts.
Common phrases
- diffraction pattern
- diffraction grating
- light diffraction
- wave diffraction
- X-ray diffraction
Synonyms
bending · spreading · deflection · refraction
Word family
diffract (verb) · diffractive (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse diffraction with refraction; diffraction involves bending around obstacles, while refraction involves bending due to change in medium density.
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