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diffraction pattern

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dif⋅frac⋅tion

  [di-frak-shuhn]
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–noun Physics.
1. the phenomenon exhibited by wave fronts that, passing the edge of an opaque body, are modulated, thereby causing a redistribution of energy within the front: it is detectable in light waves by the presence of a pattern of closely spaced dark and light bands (diffraction pattern) at the edge of a shadow.
2. the bending of waves, esp. sound and light waves, around obstacles in their path.
Origin:
1665–75; < NL diffrāctiōn- (s. of diffrāctiō) a breaking up, equiv. to L diffrāct(us) broken up (ptp. of diffringere) + -iōn- -ion. See dif-, fraction
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Cultural Dictionary

diffraction

The breaking up of an incoming wave by some sort of geometrical structure — for example, a series of slits — followed by reconstruction of the wave by interference. Diffraction of light is characterized by alternate bands of light and dark or bands of different colors.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

diffraction 
1671, from Fr. diffraction, from Mod.L. diffractionem, from L. diffrac-, stem of diffringere "break in pieces," from dis- "apart" + frangere "to break" (see fraction).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: dif·frac·tion
Pronunciation: dif-'rak-sh&n
Function: noun
: a modification which light undergoes in passing by the edges ofopaque 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)

Main Entry: diffraction pattern
Function: noun
: an often photographic pattern produced by diffraction (as of light or X rays)
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

diffraction dif·frac·tion (dĭ-frāk'shən)
n.
Change in the directions and intensities of a group of waves after passing by an obstacle or through an aperture.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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