Diffuse

Pronunciation

• enPR: dÄ­fyoÍžoz'
• UK IPA: /dɪˈfjuːz/
• US IPA: /dɪˈfjuz/
• Rhymes: -uːz
• Homophones: defuse

Middle English, from Latin diffusus, past participle of diffundere, from dis- + fundere

Full definition of diffuse

Verb

1. (transitive) To spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
• WhewellWe find this knowledge diffused among all civilized nations.
2. (intransitive) To be spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.Food coloring diffuses in water.The riot diffused quite suddenly.

Derived terms

• diffuser

Pronunciation

• enPR: dÄ­fyoÍžos'
• UK IPA: /dɪˈfjuːs/
• US IPA: /dɪˈfjus/
• Rhymes: -uːs

Latin diffusus

Adjective

1. Everywhere or throughout everything; not focused or concentrated.Such a diffuse effort is unlikely to produce good results.

Derived terms

• diffusely

Related terms

• diffusion