dispersion

noun

dis·​per·​sion di-ˈspər-zhən 

-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

Synonyms

• disbandment
• dispersal
• dissipation
• scattering

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

Word History

Etymology

see disperse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dispersion

noun

dis·​per·​sion dis-ˈpər-zhən 

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 

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