Definitions for diffraction
dɪˈfræk ʃəndif·frac·tion

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:2.0 / 1 vote

1. diffractionnoun

   when light passes sharp edges or goes through narrow slits the rays are deflected and produce fringes of light and dark bands

WiktionaryRate this definition:5.0 / 1 vote

1. diffractionnoun

   The breaking up of an electromagnetic wave as it passes a geometric structure (e.g. a slit), followed by reconstruction of the wave by interference.

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Diffraction

   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. diffraction

   Diffraction refers to the bending or spreading of waves around obstacles or through gaps, often resulting in interference patterns. This phenomenon can apply to any type of wave, including light, sound, and electromagnetic waves. The extent of diffraction depends on the wavelength of the wave and the size of the obstacle or opening.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:3.5 / 2 votes

1. Diffractionnoun

   the deflection and decomposition of light in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow slits, causing the appearance of parallel bands or fringes of prismatic colors, as by the action of a grating of fine lines or bars

2. Etymology: [Cf. F. diffraction.]

WikidataRate this definition:5.0 / 1 vote

1. Diffraction

   Diffraction refers to various phenomena which occur when a wave encounters an obstacle. In classical physics, the diffraction phenomenon is described as the apparent bending of waves around small obstacles and the spreading out of waves past small openings. Similar effects occur when a light wave travels through a medium with a varying refractive index, or a sound wave travels through one with varying acoustic impedance. Diffraction occurs with all waves, including sound waves, water waves, and electromagnetic waves such as visible light, X-rays and radio waves. As physical objects have wave-like properties, diffraction also occurs with matter and can be studied according to the principles of quantum mechanics. Italian scientist Francesco Maria Grimaldi coined the word "diffraction" and was the first to record accurate observations of the phenomenon in 1665. Richard Feynman wrote: He suggested that when there are only a few sources, say two, we call it interference, as in Young's slits, but with a large number of sources, the process be labelled diffraction. While diffraction occurs whenever propagating waves encounter such changes, its effects are generally most pronounced for waves whose wavelength is roughly similar to the dimensions of the diffracting objects. If the obstructing object provides multiple, closely spaced openings, a complex pattern of varying intensity can result. This is due to the superposition, or interference, of different parts of a wave that travels to the observer by different paths.

Matched Categories

1. • Optical Phenomenon

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

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How to pronounce diffraction?

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How to say diffraction in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of diffraction in Chaldean Numerology is: 8

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of diffraction in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6

Popularity rank by frequency of use

References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=diffraction
2. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Diffraction
3. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffraction
4. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
5. ^ Webster Dictionary
   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffraction
6. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=diffraction
7. ^ Usage in printed sources
   https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=diffraction