diffraction
noun
dif·frac·tion di-ˈfrak-shən 
: 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 (such as sound waves) or of moving particles (such as electrons)
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Of course, there are always going to be the usual diffraction spikes that are caused by James Webb’s observations. 
Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 2 Sep. 2022 The diffraction spikes here come from a feeding supermassive black hole that contains more than 24 million times the mass of our sun. Fionna M. D. Samuels, Scientific American, 21 July 2022 The largest of these appear larger, closer, brighter, and more fully resolved with 8-point diffraction spikes. Theresa Vargas, Washington Post, 13 July 2022 Bright stars stand out with their six, long, sharply defined diffraction spikes—an effect due to Webb’s six-sided mirror segments. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 7 July 2022 Felt surrounding the tweeter minimizes edge diffraction. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 1 July 2022 The processes of reflection, refraction, and diffraction of light can produce some really interesting things in the sky. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 17 May 2022 As a result, the shadow appears surrounded by a spectacular rainbow halo caused by the diffraction of light. Kathleen Rellihan, Outside Online, 14 May 2022 By using x-ray diffraction, Klavko figured out ways to get a very detailed look at very small, very thin layers of crystal materials. Kiona N. Smith, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2022 See More
Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 2 Sep. 2022 The diffraction spikes here come from a feeding supermassive black hole that contains more than 24 million times the mass of our sun. Fionna M. D. Samuels, Scientific American, 21 July 2022 The largest of these appear larger, closer, brighter, and more fully resolved with 8-point diffraction spikes. Theresa Vargas, Washington Post, 13 July 2022 Bright stars stand out with their six, long, sharply defined diffraction spikes—an effect due to Webb’s six-sided mirror segments. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 7 July 2022 Felt surrounding the tweeter minimizes edge diffraction. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 1 July 2022 The processes of reflection, refraction, and diffraction of light can produce some really interesting things in the sky. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 17 May 2022 As a result, the shadow appears surrounded by a spectacular rainbow halo caused by the diffraction of light. Kathleen Rellihan, Outside Online, 14 May 2022 By using x-ray diffraction, Klavko figured out ways to get a very detailed look at very small, very thin layers of crystal materials. Kiona N. Smith, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
borrowed from New Latin diffrāctiōn-, diffrāctiō (Medieval Latin, "action of breaking in pieces"), from Latin diffrag-, variant stem of diffringere, diffrangere "to break up, break apart, shatter" (from dif-, assimilated form of dis- dis- + frangere "to break") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at break entry 1
First Known Use
1672, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing diffraction
Medical Definition
diffraction
noun
dif·frac·tion dif-ˈrak-shən
: a modification which light undergoes in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow slits or in being reflected from ruled surfaces and in which the rays appear to be deflected and to produce fringes of parallel light and dark or colored bands
also : a similar modification of other waves (as sound waves)