diffusive

English

Etymology

From post-classical Latin diffusivus (“tending to spread; expansive”) (13th century), from participle stem of Latin diffundere (“diffuse, disperse”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /dɪˈfjuːsɪv/

Adjective

diffusive (comparative more diffusive, superlative most diffusive)

1. That is spread or dispersed across a wide area or among a large number of people. [from 17th c.]
2. Involving or employing many words; expansive, discursive; (in negative sense) long-winded. [from 17th c.]
   • 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.

3. That diffuses something; disseminating. [from 17th c.]
4. (sciences) Pertaining to diffusion. [from 19th c.]

Derived terms

• diffusive equilibrium

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /di.fy.ziv/
• Homophone: diffusives

Adjective

diffusive

1. feminine singular of diffusif

Italian

Adjective

diffusive

1. feminine plural of diffusivo

Latin

Pronunciation

• (Classical) IPA^(key): /dif.fuːˈsiː.u̯e/, [d̪ɪfːuːˈs̠iːu̯ɛ]
• (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA^(key): /dif.fuˈsi.ve/, [d̪ifːuˈs̬iːve]

Adjective

diffūsīve

1. vocative masculine singular of diffūsīvus