diffusion vs spread

diffusion and spread both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
diffusion	Yes	No	No	No
spread	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

As nouns, spread is a hypernym of diffusion; that is, spread is a word with a broader meaning than diffusion:

Other hypernyms of diffusion include spreading.

As nouns, spread is a hypernym of diffusion; that is, spread is a word with a broader meaning than diffusion:

diffusion: the spread of social institutions (and myths and skills) from one society to another
spread: process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space

Other hypernyms of diffusion include spreading.

diffusion (noun)	spread (noun)
the act of dispersing or diffusing something	act of extending over a wider scope or expanse of space or time
the property of being diffused or dispersed	decorative cover for a bed
the spread of social institutions (and myths and skills) from one society to another	farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)
(physics) the process in which there is movement of a substance from an area of high concentration of that substance to an area of lower concentration	a haphazard distribution in all directions
	the expansion of a person's girth (especially at middle age)
	a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures
	two facing pages of a book or other publication
	process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space
	a tasty mixture to be spread on bread or crackers or used in preparing other dishes
	a meal that is well prepared and greatly enjoyed

diffusion (adjective)	spread (adjective)
	distributed or spread over a considerable extent
	fully extended in width
	prepared or arranged for a meal; especially having food set out

diffusion (verb)	spread (verb)
	cause to become widely known
	become widely known and passed on
	distribute or disperse widely
	spread out or open from a closed or folded state
	become distributed or widespread
	cover by spreading something over
	distribute over a surface in a layer
	strew or distribute over an area
	move outward
	spread across or over