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

Synonyms

• disbandment
• dispersion
• dissipation
• scattering

Examples of dispersal in a Sentence

the dispersal of plant seeds in the forests through natural means

Recent Examples on the Web

First Evidence Found from Mastodon Tusk Ancient Impact on Modern-Day Ecosystem The loss of mastodons greatly reduced seed dispersal for several of these fruit-bearing species. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 16 June 2025

The ants threaten native ant species, which play crucial roles in seed dispersal. —Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025

Researchers have documented large decreases in seed dispersal in forests where Asian needle ants are present. —Stephen Smith, CBS News, 10 June 2025

Research has also shown that local native ants are an important part of seed dispersal for some plant and tree species. —Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 9 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dispersal

• demersal
• rehearsal
• reversal
• transversal
• traversal
• bursal
• versal
• universal

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