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diffusive. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
diffusive, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
diffusive in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
diffusive you have here. The definition of the word
diffusive will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
diffusive, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From post-classical Latin diffusivus (“tending to spread; expansive”) (13th century), from participle stem of Latin diffundere (“diffuse, disperse”).
Pronunciation
Adjective
diffusive (comparative more diffusive, superlative most diffusive)
- That is spread or dispersed across a wide area or among a large number of people.
- Involving or employing many words; expansive, discursive; (in negative sense) long-winded.
1791, Edward Gibbon, Memoirs of My Life, Penguin, published 1990, page 182:I can never forget the delight with which that diffusive and ingenious orator was heard by all sides of the House, and even by those whose existence he proscribed.
- That diffuses something; disseminating.
- (sciences) Pertaining to diffusion.
Derived terms
French
Pronunciation
Adjective
diffusive
- feminine singular of diffusif
Italian
Adjective
diffusive
- feminine plural of diffusivo
Latin
Pronunciation
Adjective
diffūsīve
- vocative masculine singular of diffūsīvus