diffusion
/dɪˈfjuːʒn/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈfjuːʒn/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈfyü-zhən/ (ame, mw)
diffusion — noun
1. the process by which something spreads from a central point to cover a larger ar
the process by which something spreads from a central point to cover a larger area or reach more people
The diffusion of wireless internet in rural Kenya connected thousands of students to online courses.
diffusion + of + [technology] + across + [area]
Ayana wrote a report on the diffusion of electric cars among European taxi companies.
The rapid diffusion of the virus through the nursing home alarmed local health officials.
Sivan traced the diffusion of paper-making techniques from China to the Middle East.
- spread
Everyday, simpler word; usable in all contexts where diffusion fits
- dissemination
More formal, strongly associated with information or ideas rather than physical objects
- dispersal
Emphasizes scattering apart or breaking up rather than covering an area
- concentration
Gathering of things into one place rather than spreading them outward
- containment
Deliberate effort to keep something within a limited area
文法句型
diffusion + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often appears in academic or formal writing with 'of' to specify what is spreading (e.g., diffusion of innovation, diffusion of information). In everyday conversation, 'spread' is more common.
常見錯誤
2. the natural process through which particles spread out within a fluid until they
the natural process through which particles spread out within a fluid until they are evenly mixed throughout the surrounding space
Andrés showed how a red ink drop spreads through water by diffusion without stirring.
passive process: diffusion without stirring
Oxygen enters the human bloodstream through diffusion in the tiny air sacs of the lungs.
Nikos heated the beaker of water and watched the blue dye spread faster by diffusion.
Heloísa measured the diffusion of food colouring in cold water for her science project.
Perfume molecules spread by diffusion, which is why you can smell them across a room.
- osmosis
A specific type of diffusion where molecules pass through a semipermeable membrane
- dispersion
Focuses on particles spreading apart rather than the underlying molecular movement
文法句型
diffusion + of + noun phrase
diffusion + through + noun phrase
rate of diffusion
用法筆記
Frequently modified by technical adjectives such as 'molecular', 'gaseous', or 'thermal' in scientific writing. Describes a passive process driven by random molecular motion, not by an external force like stirring or blowing.
常見錯誤
3. the scattering of light rays in multiple directions after they strike a rough su
the scattering of light rays in multiple directions after they strike a rough surface or pass through a material that is not completely clear
Sunlight diffusion through the morning fog created a soft golden glow over the harbour.
diffusion + of + sunlight + through + [material]
Photographers use a softbox to create even light diffusion and soften harsh shadows on faces.
The frosted bathroom window provides gentle diffusion of daylight entering the room.
Mateo adjusted the lamp shade to increase diffusion and soften the reading light.
- scattering
More general term; diffusion is a specific type of scattering that produces a soft, even spread
- dispersion
In optics, dispersion usually refers to splitting light into colours, not spreading it softly
- focus
Concentrating light into a narrow beam rather than spreading it out
- concentration
Gathering light rays together at a single point
文法句型
diffusion + of + light/sunlight
light diffusion + through/by + material
用法筆記
Commonly paired with the preposition 'of' followed by 'light' or 'sunlight'. The material causing the scattering is typically introduced by 'through' (for translucent objects) or 'by' (for rough surfaces). Distinguish from sense 2, which describes particle movement rather than light behaviour.
常見錯誤
4. the way that customs, ideas, and technologies travel from one culture or communi
the way that customs, ideas, and technologies travel from one culture or community to another when people interact
The diffusion of Buddhist teachings from India to East Asia profoundly changed art and philosophy.
diffusion + of + [religion/philosophy] + from + [origin] + to + [region]
Hui's master's thesis examined the diffusion of sushi culture from Japan to cities across Europe.
The internet has greatly accelerated the diffusion of fashion trends across international borders.
Linguists study the diffusion of borrowed words from one language into another over centuries.
Colonial trade routes enabled the diffusion of spices and cooking methods to faraway regions.
- transmission
Often implies passing on within a tradition or across generations, not necessarily between distinct cultures
- assimilation
A deeper process where the borrowed element is absorbed and adapted, not just spread
- isolation
Keeping cultures separate with minimal exchange of ideas or practices
文法句型
diffusion + of + [cultural feature]
cultural diffusion + among/across + [group/region]
用法筆記
Subject of diffusion is usually an abstract concept (religion, custom, technique, idea) rather than a physical object. Distinguish from sense 1 by the focus on cultural or social phenomena as opposed to physical or informational spread of any kind.