\Dif*fract"\, 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, a? rays of light.