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Diffusion: meaning, definitions and examples

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diffusion

 

[ dɪˈfjuːʒən ]

Context #1

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.
Context #2

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.
Context #3

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

🇮🇳 प्रसार (prasār)

🇩🇪 Diffusion

🇮🇩 difusi

🇺🇦 дифузія

🇵🇱 dyfuzja

🇯🇵 拡散 (kakusan)

🇫🇷 diffusion

🇪🇸 difusión

🇹🇷 yayılma

🇰🇷 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.