diffusion
diffusion — 名詞
1. the process by which something spreads from a central point to cover a larger ar
散播；傳播
訊息或事物廣泛散佈的過程
the process by which something spreads from a central point to cover a larger area or reach more people
The diffusion of wireless internet in rural Kenya connected thousands of students to online courses.
無線網路在肯亞偏鄉的傳播，讓數千名學生得以參加線上課程。
diffusion + of + [technology] + across + [area]
Ayana wrote a report on the diffusion of electric cars among European taxi companies.
Ayana 寫了一份關於電動車在歐洲計程車公司間傳播的報告。
The rapid diffusion of the virus through the nursing home alarmed local health officials.
病毒在安養院內的快速擴散，令當地衛生官員感到震驚。
Sivan traced the diffusion of paper-making techniques from China to the Middle East.
Sivan 追溯了造紙技術從中國傳播到中東的路徑。
- spread
Everyday, simpler word; usable in all contexts where diffusion fits
- dissemination
More formal, strongly associated with information or ideas rather than physical objects
- dispersal
Emphasizes scattering apart or breaking up rather than covering an area
- concentration
Gathering of things into one place rather than spreading them outward
- containment
Deliberate effort to keep something within a limited area
文法句型
diffusion + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often appears in academic or formal writing with 'of' to specify what is spreading (e.g., diffusion of innovation, diffusion of information). In everyday conversation, 'spread' is more common.
常見錯誤
2. the natural process through which particles spread out within a fluid until they
擴散
分子由高濃度區向低濃度區移動的過程
the natural process through which particles spread out within a fluid until they are evenly mixed throughout the surrounding space
Andrés showed how a red ink drop spreads through water by diffusion without stirring.
Andrés 展示一滴紅墨水如何不經攪拌，便透過擴散在水中散開。
passive process: diffusion without stirring
Oxygen enters the human bloodstream through diffusion in the tiny air sacs of the lungs.
氧氣透過肺部微小氣囊中的擴散作用進入人體血液。
Nikos heated the beaker of water and watched the blue dye spread faster by diffusion.
Nikos 加熱燒杯中的水，看見藍色染料因擴散而散得更快。
Heloísa measured the diffusion of food colouring in cold water for her science project.
Heloísa 為了科展專題，測量了食用色素在冷水中的擴散情形。
Perfume molecules spread by diffusion, which is why you can smell them across a room.
香水分子透過擴散散開，這就是為什麼你在房間另一頭也能聞到。
- osmosis
A specific type of diffusion where molecules pass through a semipermeable membrane
- dispersion
Focuses on particles spreading apart rather than the underlying molecular movement
文法句型
diffusion + of + noun phrase
diffusion + through + noun phrase
rate of diffusion
用法筆記
Frequently modified by technical adjectives such as 'molecular', 'gaseous', or 'thermal' in scientific writing. Describes a passive process driven by random molecular motion, not by an external force like stirring or blowing.
常見錯誤
3. the scattering of light rays in multiple directions after they strike a rough su
漫射
光線經粗糙表面或不透明物體散射的現象
the scattering of light rays in multiple directions after they strike a rough surface or pass through a material that is not completely clear
Sunlight diffusion through the morning fog created a soft golden glow over the harbour.
陽光穿過晨霧產生的漫射，在港口上空形成一層柔和的金色光暈。
diffusion + of + sunlight + through + [material]
Photographers use a softbox to create even light diffusion and soften harsh shadows on faces.
攝影師使用柔光罩來製造均勻的光線漫射，柔化臉上的銳利陰影。
The frosted bathroom window provides gentle diffusion of daylight entering the room.
浴室的毛玻璃窗讓照進室內的日光產生柔和的漫射效果。
Mateo adjusted the lamp shade to increase diffusion and soften the reading light.
Mateo 調整了檯燈燈罩來增加漫射，使閱讀光線更加柔和。
- scattering
More general term; diffusion is a specific type of scattering that produces a soft, even spread
- dispersion
In optics, dispersion usually refers to splitting light into colours, not spreading it softly
- focus
Concentrating light into a narrow beam rather than spreading it out
- concentration
Gathering light rays together at a single point
文法句型
diffusion + of + light/sunlight
light diffusion + through/by + material
用法筆記
Commonly paired with the preposition 'of' followed by 'light' or 'sunlight'. The material causing the scattering is typically introduced by 'through' (for translucent objects) or 'by' (for rough surfaces). Distinguish from sense 2, which describes particle movement rather than light behaviour.
常見錯誤
4. the way that customs, ideas, and technologies travel from one culture or communi
文化傳播
文化特徵從一個社會傳到另一個社會的過程
the way that customs, ideas, and technologies travel from one culture or community to another when people interact
The diffusion of Buddhist teachings from India to East Asia profoundly changed art and philosophy.
佛教教義從印度向東亞的文化傳播，深刻改變了當地的藝術與哲學。
diffusion + of + [religion/philosophy] + from + [origin] + to + [region]
Hui's master's thesis examined the diffusion of sushi culture from Japan to cities across Europe.
Hui 的碩士論文探討了壽司文化從日本向歐洲各大城市傳播的歷程。
The internet has greatly accelerated the diffusion of fashion trends across international borders.
網際網路大大加速了時尚潮流跨越國界的傳播速度。
Linguists study the diffusion of borrowed words from one language into another over centuries.
語言學家研究外來詞在數個世紀間從一種語言傳播到另一種語言的過程。
Colonial trade routes enabled the diffusion of spices and cooking methods to faraway regions.
殖民貿易路線讓香料與烹飪方法得以傳播到遙遠的地區。
- transmission
Often implies passing on within a tradition or across generations, not necessarily between distinct cultures
- assimilation
A deeper process where the borrowed element is absorbed and adapted, not just spread
- isolation
Keeping cultures separate with minimal exchange of ideas or practices
文法句型
diffusion + of + [cultural feature]
cultural diffusion + among/across + [group/region]
用法筆記
Subject of diffusion is usually an abstract concept (religion, custom, technique, idea) rather than a physical object. Distinguish from sense 1 by the focus on cultural or social phenomena as opposed to physical or informational spread of any kind.