diffusive

The story

1. Latin · derived fromdiffundere“diffuse, disperse”
2. Latin · derived fromdiffusivus“tending to spread; expansive”
3. English todaydiffusive

From post-classical Latin diffusivus (“tending to spread; expansive”) (13th century), from participle stem of Latin diffundere (“diffuse, disperse”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 17th c. That is spread or dispersed across a wide area or among a large number of people.
• from 17th c. Involving or employing many words; expansive, discursive; (in negative sense) long-winded.
• from 17th c. That diffuses something; disseminating.
• from 19th c. Pertaining to diffusion.