Diffraction
繞射

When waves pass the edge of an obstacle, they bend around the edge into the 'shadow' of the obstacle. This phenomenon is called diffraction. The amount of bending depends on the size of the obstacle as compared to the wavelength.

It is used to determine whether something is a wave or not.

See also refraction, reflection and interference.

Related topics:
10.2       Wave properties

Pronunciation in English (listen with default application).