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Diffuse vs Dispersion - What's the difference?

diffuse | dispersion |

As a verb diffuse

is .

As a noun dispersion is

dispersion, dispersal.

diffuse

English

Etymology 1

(etyl), from (etyl) diffusus, past participle of

Verb

(diffus)
  • To spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
  • * Whewell
  • We find this knowledge diffused among all civilized nations.
  • To be spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
  • Food coloring diffuses in water.
    The riot diffused quite suddenly.
    Derived terms
    * diffuser

    Etymology 2

    (etyl) diffusus

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Everywhere or throughout everything; not focused or concentrated.
  • Such a diffuse effort is unlikely to produce good results.
    Derived terms
    * diffusely

    dispersion

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The state of being dispersed; dispersedness.
  • A process of dispersing.
  • The degree of scatter of data.
  • (optics) The separation of visible light by refraction or diffraction.
  • (medicine) The removal of inflammation.
  • References

    * Chambers's Etymological Dictionary , 1896, p. 131