diffusion

Diffusion is defined as the process or state of something spreading more widely.

(noun)

When cultural ideas spread from one group to another, this is an example of diffusion.

See diffusion in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a diffusing or being diffused; specif.,
1. a dissemination, as of news
2. a scattering of light rays, as by reflection; also, the dispersion and softening of light, as by passage through frosted glass
3. an intermingling of the molecules of liquids, gases, etc.
wordiness; diffuseness
Anthrop. the spread of a cultural or technological practice or innovation from one region or people to another, as by trade or conquest

Origin: ME diffusioun < L diffusio

See diffusion in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The process of diffusing or the condition of being diffused.
Needless profusion of words; prolixity.
Physics
a. The scattering of incident light by reflection from a rough surface.
b. The transmission of light through a translucent material.
c. The spontaneous intermingling of the particles of two or more substances as a result of random thermal motion.
The spread of linguistic or cultural practices or innovations within a community or from one community to another.

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