–v.t.
1. to spread out so as to cover a large space or surface; scatter widely: »
The sun diffuses light and heat. Schools and libraries and many television programs diffuse knowledge.
SYNONYM(S): disseminate, disperse.2. Physics. to spread by diffusion.
–v.i.
1. to scatter widely; spread.
2. Physics. to mix together by spreading into one another: »
Alcohol and water will diffuse; oil and water will not. Oxygen diffuses through air about 10,000 times faster than through water (Albert R. Grable).
–adj.
1. not drawn together at a single point; spread out: »
diffuse light.
SYNONYM(S): widespread, scattered, dispersed.2. using many words where a few would do: »
a diffuse writer. A diffuse book is very tiresome to read. Too strong and concise, not diffuse enough for a woman (Jane Austen).
SYNONYM(S): wordy.╂[< Latin diffusus, past participle of diffundere < dis- apart (in every direction) + fundere pour]
–dif|fuse´ly, adverb.
–dif|fuse´ness, noun.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.