Meaning of diffuse in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions
  3. Classifying Adjective
    1. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /dəˈfjuz/

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  1. Verb

    diffuse

    Etymology

    late Middle English: from Latin diffus-‘poured out’, from the verb diffundere, from dis-‘away’ + fundere‘pour’; the adjective via French diffus or Latin diffusus‘extensive’, from diffundere

    Definitions

    1. move outward

    Examples

    • « The soldiers fanned out »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. spread or diffuse through

    Examples

    • « An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration »
    • « music penetrated the entire building »

    Derived terms

  3. 3. cause to become widely known

    Examples

    • « spread information »
    • « circulate a rumor »
    • « broadcast the news »

    Derived terms

  4. Classifying Adjective

    diffuse

    Definitions

    1. spread out

    Examples

    • « not concentrated in one place »
    • « a large diffuse organization »

    Synonyms

  5. 2. lacking conciseness

    Examples

    • « a diffuse historical novel »

    Synonyms

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