Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - diffuse

(diffusing, diffused) 1. If something such as knowledge or information is diffused, or if it diffuses somewhere, it is made known over a wide area or to a lot of people. (WRITTEN) Over time, the technology is diffused and adopted by other countries. ...an attempt to diffuse new ideas... As agriculture developed, agricultural ideas diffused across Europe. = spread VERB: be V-ed, V n, V prep • diffusion ...the development and diffusion of ideas. N-UNCOUNT: with supp 2. To diffuse a feeling, especially an undesirable one, means to cause it to weaken and lose its power to affect people. The arrival of letters from the Pope did nothing to diffuse the tension. = dissipate VERB: V n 3. If something diffuses light, it causes the light to spread weakly in different directions. Diffusing a light also reduces its power... ? concentrate VERB: V n 4. To diffuse or be diffused through something means to move and spread through it. It allows nicotine to diffuse slowly and steadily into the bloodstream... The moisture present in all foods absorbs the flavour of the smoke and eventually diffuses that flavour into its interior. = permeate VERB: V prep, V n prep, also V, V n • diffusion There are data on the rates of diffusion of molecules. N-UNCOUNT: with supp 5. Something that is diffuse is not directed towards one place or concentrated in one place but spread out over a large area. (WRITTEN) ...a diffuse community... ADJ 6. If you describe something as diffuse, you mean that it is vague and difficult to understand or explain. His writing is so diffuse and obscure that it is difficult to make out what it is he is trying to say. ADJ