26984 words

diffuse

7 definitions • 9 examples
1
to (cause something to) spread in many directions:

Examples:

Television is a powerful means of diffusing knowledge.
2
to (cause a gas or liquid to) spread through or into a surrounding substance by mixing with it:

Examples:

diffuse into Oxygen diffuses from the lungs into the bloodstream.
The drop of red dye diffused slowly in the water.
3
spread out and not directed in one place:

Examples:

a diffuse light
The company has become large and diffuse.
4
not clear or easy to understand:

Examples:

a diffuse literary style
5
to spread or cause something to spread in many directions:

Examples:

[ T ] Television is a powerful means of diffusing knowledge.
6
To diffuse is also to make something less noticeable or weaker:

Examples:

[ T ] The guide tried to diffuse the tension with his grin.
7
not dense but spread out over a large area or space:

Examples:

The smoke may have been too diffuse to detect.

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