Diffraction (noun)

The bending of light or sound waves around a sharp edge or through a narrow aperture, causing the wavefront to spread out and form a diffraction pattern.

Origin:

Late 19th century: from french diffraction, from diffracter "break up", from latin diffringere "break in pieces".

Examples:

1. The diffraction of light by a single slit produces a characteristic pattern on the screen.
2. The diffraction of sound waves by a building can cause interference patterns that affect the clarity of sound.
3. The diffraction of X-rays by crystal lattices is a powerful tool for determining the structure of matter.
4. The diffraction of water waves by a breakwater causes the waves to interfere and form circular patterns.
5. The diffraction of radio waves by the Earth's atmosphere is a major factor that affects the transmission of radio signals over long distances.