Diffusion: meaning, definitions and examples
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diffusion
[ dɪˈfjuːʒən ]
science
The process by which molecules intermingle as a result of their kinetic energy of random motion. It is driven by a concentration gradient, where particles move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
Synonyms
dispersion, dissemination, spread
Examples of usage
- The diffusion of oxygen from the lungs into the bloodstream is essential for respiration.
- The diffusion of perfume molecules in a room creates a pleasant aroma.
sociology
The spread of cultural elements from one area or group of people to another. It can include ideas, beliefs, practices, technology, etc.
Synonyms
propagation, spread, transmission
Examples of usage
- The diffusion of Western fashion trends to other countries.
- The diffusion of language through migration and trade routes.
chemistry
The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, resulting in the uniform distribution of the particles.
Synonyms
dispersion, migration, permeation
Examples of usage
- The diffusion of a dye in water results in the dye molecules spreading out evenly.
- Diffusion plays a key role in processes like osmosis and dialysis.
Translations
Translations of the word "diffusion" in other languages:
🇵🇹 difusão
- difusão (de luz, calor)
- disseminação
🇮🇳 प्रसार (prasār)
- प्रसार (प्रकाश, गर्मी का)
- प्रसार (सिद्धांत, विचार)
🇩🇪 Diffusion
- Ausbreitung
- Verbreitung
🇮🇩 difusi
🇺🇦 дифузія
- поширення
- розповсюдження
🇵🇱 dyfuzja
🇯🇵 拡散 (kakusan)
🇫🇷 diffusion
🇪🇸 difusión
🇹🇷 yayılma
- yayılım
- difüzyon
🇰🇷 확산 (hwaksan)
🇸🇦 انتشار (intishar)
🇨🇿 difúze
🇸🇰 difúzia
🇨🇳 扩散 (kuòsàn)
🇸🇮 difuzija
🇮🇸 dreifing
🇰🇿 диффузия
🇬🇪 დისფუზია (disfuzia)
🇦🇿 diffuziya
🇲🇽 difusión
Word origin
The word 'diffusion' originates from the Latin word 'diffusio', which means 'a pouring out'. In the scientific context, the concept of diffusion was first described by botanist Robert Brown in the early 19th century when he observed the random movement of pollen particles in water. Over time, the term has been widely used in various fields such as physics, chemistry, sociology, and biology to describe the process of particles spreading out and intermingling.