diffraction

One entry found for diffraction.

Main Entry: dif·frac·tion
Pronunciation: di-'frak-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin diffraction-, diffractio, from Latin diffringere to break apart, from dis- + frangere to break -- more at BREAK
: a modification which light undergoes especially in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow openings and in which the rays appear to be deflected; also : a similar modification of other waves (as sound waves) or of moving particles (as electrons)