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 Their next step, however, will be to mathematically model the breakup and dispersion of asteroids in general, as well as how the resulting rings develop, in hopes of understanding how such a structure might cause global cooling. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Sep. 2024 Then there’s the worldwide dispersion of the supply chain, and ongoing issues within it, as well as consumers’ interest in online shopping and how that is impacting commercial real estate and retailers. Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 4 Sep. 2024 Because of its size and geographic dispersion, the VA struggles to be good at all things in all places. Phillip Carter, Foreign Affairs, 15 Aug. 2017 These drivers are positioned around the front, sides and rear for optimum all-around dispersion. New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dispersion 

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 13 Oct. 2024.

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

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