扩散 kuòsàn to spread
to spread; to proliferate; to diffuse
How to remember 扩散: 扩 to expand + 散 to scatter = to spread.
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How it is used
- To spread out and diffuse, usually uncontrollably - 病毒扩散 (bìngdú kuòsàn) the virus spreads, 癌细胞扩散 cancer metastasizes, 消息扩散 news gets around.
- Implies outward proliferation from a source, often something you'd rather contain.