diffused

Diffused is the past participle and adjective form of diffuse, meaning spread out or scattered over a wide area or through a substance. The term implies dispersion, softening, or distribution that is not concentrated in one place. It is used across science, medicine, and everyday language to describe how light, substances, or features are spread.

In optics and lighting, diffused light is light that has been scattered in many directions, producing a soft, uniform illumination. Diffuse reflection occurs when light reflects from a rough or matte surface, dispersing in multiple directions rather than from a smooth, mirror-like surface. A diffuser is a device or material that creates this effect.

In physics, chemistry, and biology, diffusion describes the natural movement of particles from regions of higher concentration to lower concentration. When a substance has diffused, it is distributed more evenly throughout the available space. Diffusion drives many processes in cells, including gas exchange and the spread of molecules across membranes.

In medicine and pathology, diffuse describes a distribution that is widespread through an organ or tissue. For example, a disease may be described as having a diffuse pattern, indicating even involvement rather than a localized area. Note that in clinical writing, the term diffuse is more commonly used as an adjective; diffused is often considered an alternate form or a less precise usage in technical contexts.

Overall, diffused conveys the idea of dispersion and softness, whether referring to light, matter, or anatomical involvement.