The change in direction of a wave resulting from its meeting an opaque object is called diffraction.

Here's why:

* Diffraction is the bending of waves as they pass through an opening or around an obstacle.

* Opaque means that the object does not allow light to pass through it.

* When a wave encounters an opaque object, it is forced to bend around it, resulting in a change in direction.

Example: Imagine shining a laser beam through a narrow slit. The light will not just pass straight through; it will spread out and create a pattern on a screen behind the slit. This spreading out of the light is due to diffraction.