dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al di-ˈspər-səl 

: the act or result of dispersing

especially : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

Synonyms

• disbandment
• dispersion
• dissipation
• scattering

Examples of dispersal in a Sentence

the dispersal of plant seeds in the forests through natural means

Recent Examples on the Web

This unique design enhances spore dispersal, which ensures that the earthstar’s next generation can spread far and wide—according to a 2009 study published in the Transactions of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists Society. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Over the span of thousands of years, tasty fruit has proven to be a good way to help with seed dispersal in the environment. —Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2025

The sale is running in parallel with the final chapter of the dispersal of Karl Lagerfeld’s personal collection, organized by the temporary executor for the designer’s estate appointed by a court in Monaco. —Joelle Diderich, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025

Still, its dispersal across a country embroiled in conflict will make disarmament tremendously challenging. —Amy E. Smithson, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dispersal

• demersal
• rehearsal
• reversal
• transversal
• traversal
• bursal
• versal
• universal

Kids Definition

dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl 

: the act or result of dispersing

Medical Definition

dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl 

: the act or result of dispersing

specifically : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another