-
- 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
Hay has previously written about explosive seed dispersal but was not involved in the new research.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024
In nature, most seed dispersal techniques are due to external factors – wind, animals, fire, gravity – but this remarkable little prickly go-getter native to the Mediterranean has found its own way of getting the job done.
—New Atlas, 25 Nov. 2024
The devastation cascaded across the ecosystem, of which birds were gardeners, playing a critical role in pollination and seed dispersal.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Some species also pollinate plants and facilitate seed dispersal.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Oct. 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 7 Dec. 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