dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al di-ˈspər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
: the act or result of dispersing
especially : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

Examples of dispersal in a Sentence

the dispersal of plant seeds in the forests through natural means
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Architects and acousticians take this responsibility seriously, calculating the dispersal of sound waves, evaluating the properties of materials, and finding precise mathematical definitions for intuitive descriptors like clarity, balance, and warmth. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2024 Replant hillsides, native grasses, and wildflowers with this tool which allows for uniform dispersal which will not only aid in erosion, but also stabilize the soil and promote biodiversity. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024 This strategy requires the dispersal of nuclear weapons (to prevent Indian preemption) and, especially in crises, looser command and control. Graham Allison, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2010 Such an approach can protect collections from immediate dispersal, allow time for proper valuation and historical assessment, and potentially enhance their value over time. Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dispersal 

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispersal was in 1821

Dictionary Entries Near dispersal

Cite this Entry

“Dispersal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispersal. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

dispersal

noun
dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
: the act or result of dispersing

Medical Definition

dispersal

noun
dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
: the act or result of dispersing
specifically : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

More from Merriam-Webster on dispersal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!