Translation

bending / spreading / scattering

Meaning

The bending or spreading of waves, such as light or sound, as they pass around an obstacle or through a narrow opening.

Examples

• The diffraction of light through the tiny slit created a beautiful rainbow pattern on the wall.
  The diffraction of light through the tiny slit created a beautiful rainbow pattern on the wall.
• Engineers must account for sound diffraction when designing concert halls to ensure even audio coverage.
  Engineers must account for sound diffraction when designing concert halls to ensure even audio coverage.