dispersion

noun

dis·​per·​sion di-ˈspər-zhən 

-shən

1

Dispersion 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 of dispersion

• dispersal
• scattering

Examples of dispersion in a Sentence

the dispersion of energy from a source

Recent Examples on the Web

Stable dispersions lasted for up to a month, supported by strong negative zeta potentials in both water and ethanol. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 20 Dec. 2025

For investors who are curious about re-allocating a portion of their portfolio to alternatives, the combination of broader access, an education gap, and rising dispersion brings both opportunity and risk. —Kristin Olson, Fortune, 19 Dec. 2025

The winner-takes-all system (single-member districts, plurality wins) naturally rewards concentration and punishes dispersion. —Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

The fully multi-coated extra-low dispersion (ED) glass brings every subject into crisp view, whether that be stargazing, birdwatching or terrestrial viewing. —Harry Bennett, Space.com, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see disperse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dispersion

• aspersion
• aversion
• conversion
• diversion
• eversion
• excursion
• immersion
• incursion
• inversion
• perversion
• recursion
• reversion

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