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.
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 

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 7 Dec. 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
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