dispersion

noun

dis·​per·​sion di-ˈspər-zhən How to pronounce dispersion (audio)
-shən
1
capitalized Judaism : diaspora sense 1b
2
: the act or process of dispersing : the state of being dispersed
crowd dispersion
3
mathematics : the scattering of the values of a frequency distribution from an average
4
physics : the separation of light into colors by refraction or diffraction with formation of a spectrum
also : the separation of radiation (see radiation sense 2) into components in accordance with some varying characteristic (such as energy)
5
chemistry
a
: a dispersed (see disperse sense 2c) substance
b
: a system (see system sense 1a(2)) consisting of a dispersed substance and the medium in which it is dispersed : colloid sense 2b

Examples of dispersion in a Sentence

the dispersion of energy from a source
Recent Examples on the Web Proprietary coatings on the extra-low dispersion glass guarantee a bright and crisp image even at maximum magnification and in low light. T. Logan Metesh, Field & Stream, 2 Aug. 2023 Marston then noticed that the dispersion relation of the waves along the equator (which Kiladis had measured) looked remarkably similar to the dispersion relation of electrons in a topological insulator. Katie McCormick, Quanta Magazine, 18 July 2023 In a statement to CNN, Army spokesperson Ellen Lovett said five examinations of the Army’s use of zinc cadmium sulfide in their aerosol dispersion tests have all shown the mist was non-toxic. Justin Gamble, CNN, 15 Oct. 2023 This dish features high, straight sides and a large surface area that allows for more even heat dispersion between layers. Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2023 Through gerrymandering, population dispersion and the sorting of where people prefer to live, competition for House seats has declined. Dan Balz and Clara Ence Morse, Anchorage Daily News, 21 Aug. 2023 The Wallace Line runs through Asia and Australia, and shows an incongruity in the dispersion of animal species on either side. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 24 July 2023 Markets dislike dispersion, a great difference between leading stocks and the weakest stocks. Bill Sarubbi, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023 Over a century ago, armies developed tactics that reduced their exposure to enemy fire by exploiting dispersion, cover, concealment, and suppressive fire. Stephen Biddle, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dispersion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see disperse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispersion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near dispersion

Cite this Entry

“Dispersion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispersion. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

dispersion

noun
dis·​per·​sion dis-ˈpər-zhən How to pronounce dispersion (audio)
1
: the act or process of dispersing : the state of being dispersed
2
: the separation of light (as by a prism) into a series of colors
dispersive
-ˈpər-siv
-ziv
adjective

Medical Definition

dispersion

noun
dis·​per·​sion dis-ˈpər-zhən, -shən How to pronounce dispersion (audio)
1
: the act or process of dispersing : the state of being dispersed
2
: the separation of light into colors by refraction or diffraction with formation of a spectrum
also : the separation of radiation into components in accordance with some varying characteristic (as energy)
3
a
: a dispersed substance
b
: a system consisting of a dispersed substance and the medium in which it is dispersed : colloid sense 2b

called also disperse system

More from Merriam-Webster on dispersion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!