Definition of diffuse

The word "diffuse" has its origins in Latin. The Latin word "diffusus" means "stretched out" or "scattered," and it's derived from the verb "diffundere," which means "to spread" or "to scatter." This Latin word is a combination of "dis" (meaning "apart" or "asunder") and "fundere" (meaning "to pour" or "to flow"). The Latin word "diffusus" is often used to describe something that is scattered or spread out, such as a substance or a quality. The English word "diffuse" was borrowed from the Latin "diffusus" in the 15th century. Initially, it meant "to spread out" or "to scatter," but over time its meaning expanded to include concepts such as clarity, ambiguity, or simplicity in language or ideas. Today, "diffuse" can be used in various contexts, including science, medicine, and everyday language, to describe something that is spread out, scattered, or unclear.