DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT
\dɪfɹˈakʃən ɒv lˈa͡ɪt], \dɪfɹˈakʃən ɒv lˈaɪt], \d_ɪ_f_ɹ_ˈa_k_ʃ_ə_n ɒ_v l_ˈaɪ_t]\
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When a small opaque body is placed in light radiating from a point, its shadow is found not to be its true geometrical projection, but to be surrounded by iris-coloured fringes. The light, therefore, does not proceed in accurately straight lines past the edges of the body, and is said to be diffracted by them. Diffraction is one kind of interference of light.
By Henry Percy Smith
Word of the day
hydromorphic
- [Greek] Structurally adapted to an aquatic environment, as organs of water plants.