diffusive

adjective

dif·​fu·​sive di-ˈfyü-siv How to pronounce diffusive (audio)
-ziv
: tending to diffuse : characterized by diffusion
diffusive motion of atoms
diffusively adverb
diffusiveness noun
diffusivity
di-ˌfyü-ˈsi-və-tē How to pronounce diffusive (audio)
-ˈzi-
noun

Examples of diffusive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The right of suffrage was much more diffusive in the Northern than the Southern States; and the latter could have no influence in the election on the score of the Negroes. — Doug Melville, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Notice that the nearby surfaces aren't just reflected, but that the rendering engine accounts for how said reflections become more diffusive based on the materials and distance. — Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 30 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin diffūsīvus, from Latin diffūsus, past participle of diffundere "to pour out over a wide surface, spread out, extend" + -īvus -ive — more at diffuse entry 2

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diffusive was in 1600

Rhymes for diffusive

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Browse Nearby Words

diffusion-transfer process
diffusive
diffusor
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Cite this Entry

“Diffusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffusive. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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