Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Diffract
Dif·fract′ (dĭf·frăkt′), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Diffracted; p. pr. & vb. n. Diffracting.] [L. diffractus, p. p. of diffringere to break in pieces; dif- = dis- + frangere to break. See Fracture.] To break or separate into parts; to deflect, or decompose by deflection, as rays of light.