X-ray diffraction

X-ray diffraction (countable and uncountable, plural X-ray diffractions)

1. (physics) The scattering of X-rays by the regular lattice of atoms or molecules in a crystal.
2. (physics) The diffraction pattern so obtained.
3. (analytical chemistry) The technique of using such patterns to determine that geometry of a crystal, or the arrangements of atoms in a molecule; X-ray crystallography.