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

Courtesy the artist and Hesse Flatow, New York City Chorus, a mixed-media artwork (acrylic dispersion, pigment, chalk, and pencil on unstretched canvas) by Ella Walker, whose work was on view last month at Casey Kaplan Gallery, in New York City. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 24 Apr. 2024

Other countries, including Australia, are tracking how the dispersion of ash may affect their flights. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Apr. 2024

An extraordinary heat wave collided with El Niño, which often coincides with greater dispersion of dengue, leading to wider proliferation of the A. aegypti mosquito and elongating its life span. —Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2024

The climate crisis is altering weather patterns, leading to changes in wind and rainfall, which affects the dispersion of pollutants. —Helen Regan, CNN, 19 Mar. 2024

This dispersion can create ambiguity regarding which department is accountable for negative outcomes or errors, consequently slowing down the rectification process due to the need for extensive consultations and agreements among various control functions. —Anil Sood, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

In 2013, Phillips filed a lawsuit seeking restitution for those impacted in the Army’s dispersion program. —Justin Gamble, CNN, 15 Oct. 2023

Expert tip: Apply this to wet hair for more seamless dispersion. —Mary Honkus, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2024

Networks, platforms and marketplaces change that flow sideways to peers, strangers and crowds, creating a dispersion of authority and fracturing of trust. —TIME, 17 Mar. 2024

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