-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
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
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.
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 22 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share