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 whose size is approximately the same as the wavelength of the waves. [New Latin diffrāctiō, diffrāctiōn-, from Latin diffrāctus, past participle of diffringere : dis-, apart; see dis- + frangere, to break; see bhreg- in Indo-European roots.]

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.

diffraction 

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)

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.