What is the term given to the breaking of white light into all colors of the visible spectrum?

This breaking of white light was first observed by Francesco Maria Grimaldi and it was published in 1665. Grimaldi, an Italian scientist, was also the first to coin the term diffraction.

Many other scientists went on to research this phenomenon including Isaac Newton, James Gregory, and Christiaan Huygens. Their discoveries including diffractions in bird feathers and light rays. The most common example of diffraction in the modern era are CD and DVDs. The rainbow patterns seen on these disks are the result of diffraction grating. Diffraction also appears in circular waves.