Added 5 October 2026
diffuse
/dɪˈfjuːz/ verb
Latin root: diffūsus Wiktionary
verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about diffuse at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
To spread (something) over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
The small window diffuses light throughout the room.
-
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.
adjective
-
Everywhere or throughout everything; not focused or concentrated.
Such a diffuse effort is unlikely to produce good results.
- Wordy; verbose.
Origin
From Middle French diffuser, from Latin diffūsus, past participle of diffundere, from dis- + fundere.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)