diffusely

Diffusely is an English adverb that denotes spread or distribution over a wide area, rather than concentration in a single point. It modifies verbs and adjectives to indicate a non-localized, pervasive, or uniform presence. The term derives from the adjective diffuse, which comes from Latin diffusus, and ultimately from diffundere, meaning to pour forth or spread.

In everyday use, diffusely describes how something is spread: the odor filled the room diffusely; light from the lamp spread diffusely through the room. In scientific and medical writing, diffusely often describes patterns of distribution that lack sharp boundaries, such as diffuse inflammation, diffuse staining, or diffuse infiltration of tissue, indicating a widespread involvement rather than focal lesions. The adverb implies a qualitative sense of gradual or uniform spreading rather than abrupt concentration.

Examples:

- The scent spread diffusely through the garden.

- The disease showed a diffusely distributed pattern on imaging, with no solitary mass.

- The pigment was diffusely distributed across the sample.

In contrast to terms like focally or locally, diffusely conveys broad dispersion. See also diffuse (as an adjective/verb), diffusion, diffuseness.