diffuse

To diffuse is defined as to soften or to spread out over a larger area or among many people.

(verb)

When you have multiple people in charge of planning an event, this is an example of a situation where you diffuse power.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See diffuse in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. spread out or dispersed; not concentrated
  2. using more words than are needed; long-winded; wordy

Origin: ME < L diffusus, pp. of diffundere, to pour in different directions < dis-, apart + fundere, to pour: see found

transitive verb, intransitive verb diffused, diffusing

  1. to pour, spread out, or disperse in every direction; spread or scatter widely
  2. Physics to mix by diffusion, as gases, liquids, etc.

Related Forms:

See diffuse in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb dif·fused, dif·fus·ing, dif·fus·es
verb, transitive
  1. To pour out and cause to spread freely.
  2. To spread about or scatter; disseminate.
  3. To make less brilliant; soften.
verb, intransitive
  1. To become widely dispersed; spread out.
  2. Physics To undergo diffusion.
adjective (dĭ-fyo͞osˈ)
  1. Widely spread or scattered; not concentrated.
  2. Characterized by verbosity; wordy. See Synonyms at wordy.

Origin:

Origin: From Middle English, dispersed

Origin: , from Anglo-Norman diffus

Origin: , from Latin diffūsus

Origin: , past participle of diffundere, to spread

Origin: : dis-, out, apart; see dis- 

Origin: + fundere, to pour; see gheu- in Indo-European roots

.

Related Forms:

  • dif·fuseˈly (-fyo͞osˈlē) adverb
  • dif·fuseˈness (-fyo͞osˈnĭs) noun

Learn more about diffuse

link/cite print suggestion box