diffuser

Etymology 1

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

adj

1. comparative form of diffuse: more diffuse

Etymology 2

diffuse (verb) + -er

noun

1. Any person or thing that diffuses.
2. A device designed to diffuse a scent efficiently.
   They are in the under-$20 section, which includes a display of scented candles and diffusers. February 28, 2009, Rita Zekas, “DecoRita visits West Elm”, in Toronto Star
3. (optics) Any device that or spreads out or scatters light, making the light appear softer.
   Along the sofa every three and a half feet, fluorescent tubes glow through translucent plastic diffusers. January 24, 2008, “In a Town Known for Light, a House With Very Little”, in New York Times
4. (automotive) A shaped section of a car's underbody which improves the car's aerodynamic properties.
5. (thermodynamics) A mechanical device that is designed to control the characteristics of a fluid at the entrance to a thermodynamic open system.
6. (sewage treatment) An aerating device consisting of a membrane with fine pores, through which air is blown to generate small bubbles.
7. (cooking) A cooking item that can be placed above a stove heating element or burner to separate the cooking utensil from the heat source.
8. A hairdryer attachment that diffuses the flow of air.