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DIFFUSER

 - 2 dictionary results

dif⋅fus⋅er

[di-fyoo-zer]
–noun
1. a person or thing that diffuses.
2. (in various machines or mechanical systems, as centrifugal pumps or compressors) a device for utilizing part of the kinetic energy of a fluid passing through a machine by gradually increasing the cross-sectional area of the channel or chamber through which it flows so as to decrease its speed and increase its pressure.
3. (in a lighting fixture) any of a variety of translucent materials for filtering glare from the light source.
4. a pierced plate or similar device for distributing compressed air for aeration of sewage.
Also, diffusor.


Origin:
1670–80; diffuse + -er 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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dif·fus·er   (dĭ-fyōō'zər)   
n.  
  1. One that diffuses, as:

    1. A light fixture, such as a frosted globe, that spreads light evenly.

    2. A medium that scatters light, used in photography to soften shadows.

    3. A device, such as a cone or baffle, placed in front of a loudspeaker diaphragm to diffuse the sound waves.

  2. A flow passage in a wind tunnel that decelerates a stream of gas or liquid from a high to a low velocity.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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