Diffusion
dɪˈfjuːʒən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of spreading out or scattering widely, or the process by which something is spread or transmitted.
dɪˈfjuːʒən
The act of spreading or dispersing something widely.
The diffusion of heat through the metal caused it to warm up quickly.
💡 Simply: Imagine dropping food coloring into water. It spreads out until the color is even everywhere. That's diffusion! It's like sharing something until it reaches all the parts.
👶 For kids: When things spread out and mix together, like when you put food coloring in water.
More Examples
The rapid diffusion of new technologies has transformed the way we communicate.
Cultural diffusion is the process by which cultural traits spread from one society to another.
How It's Used
"Diffusion of gases occurs when molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration."
"The diffusion of information through social media is rapid."
The net movement of molecules or atoms from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.
dɪˈfjuːʒən
The intermingling of substances by molecular movement.
Gas exchange in the alveoli of the lungs occurs through diffusion.
💡 Simply: When things naturally mix together, like the smell of baking cookies filling a room. The scent molecules move around until they're everywhere. That's diffusion in action!
👶 For kids: When stuff spreads out and mixes together on its own, like when you put sugar in your juice and stir it.
More Examples
The diffusion of nutrients across the cell membrane is crucial for cell survival.
The rate of diffusion is affected by factors such as temperature and pressure.
How It's Used
"Diffusion plays a vital role in the transport of oxygen in the lungs."
"The diffusion of carbon dioxide into the leaves is essential for photosynthesis."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *diffusio*, meaning "a spreading out," from the verb *diffundere* (to pour out, spread widely), from *dis-* (apart) + *fundere* (to pour).
The term 'diffusion' has been used since the late 17th century, initially in the context of spreading something out physically, later extended to abstract concepts like the spread of ideas or cultural traits.
Memory tip
Think of a perfume scent diffusing through a room - it spreads out.
Word Origin
"to pour, spread"