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Webster 1913 Edition


Diffraction

Dif-frac′tion

,
Noun.
[Cf. F.
diffraction
.]
(Opt.)
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.
Remarked by Grimaldi (1665), and referred by him to a property of light which he called
diffraction
.
Whewell.
Diffraction grating
.
(Optics)
See under
Grating
.
Diffraction spectrum
.
(Optics)
See under
Spectrum
.

Definition 2024


diffraction

diffraction

English

Noun

diffraction (plural diffractions)

  1. (quantum mechanics) 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.

Translations


French

Noun

diffraction f (plural diffractions)

  1. diffraction

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