diffusion

Meanings

Plural: diffusions

Noun

• (physics) the process in which there is movement of a substance from an area of high concentration of that substance to an area of lower concentration
• the spread of social institutions (and myths and skills) from one society to another
• the property of being diffused or dispersed
• the act of dispersing or diffusing something
  • "the diffusion of knowledge"
• The act of diffusing or dispersing something, or the property of being diffused or dispersed; dispersion.
• The scattering of light by reflection from a rough surface, or by passage through a translucent medium.
• The intermingling of the molecules of a fluid due to random thermal agitation.
• The spread of cultural or linguistic practices, or social institutions, in one or more communities.
• The gradual spread and adoption of goods or services.
• Exchange of airborne media between regions in space in an apparently random motion of a small scale.
• The movement of water vapor from regions of high concentration (high water vapor pressure) toward regions of lower concentration.

Synonyms

dispersal, dispersion, dissemination

Related Words

diffuseness, diffuser, diffusity