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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
Examples of dispersal in a Sentence
the dispersal of plant seeds in the forests through natural means
Recent Examples on the Web
Pulmonologists have long observed that asthma attacks often occur during summertime thunderstorms, partly because wind gusts can lead to greater dispersal of pollen, but also because lightning can rupture the grains, fragmenting them below the PM 2.5 threshold.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 25 June 2024
Most of the group that barricaded the building left voluntarily by 1 a.m. Thursday, Hollins said, and the rest left after police ordered a dispersal shortly after.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2024
Many plants also rely on bats to help with pollination and seed dispersal, including more than 300 fruit species, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
—Ruth Cronin, The Enquirer, 5 June 2024
Smog can impact the dispersal of pollen and other allergens, leaving them stagnant in the air.
—Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for dispersal
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dispersal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1821, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near dispersal
Cite this Entry
“Dispersal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispersal. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on dispersal
Nglish: Translation of dispersal for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dispersal
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