Meaning & use

diffusion

noun·Academic

The gradual spreading or mixing of particles, ideas, or substances from an area of high concentration to a lower one.

See it in a sentence

The diffusion of gas molecules across the room happened faster in the warm air.

Historians study the diffusion of agricultural techniques across ancient trade routes.

A note on using this word

In science, diffusion specifically describes movement driven by a concentration gradient, without any external force pushing the particles.

Words with a similar meaning

spreaddispersion

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

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