dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al di-ˈspər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
: the act or result of dispersing
especially : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

Examples of dispersal in a Sentence

the dispersal of plant seeds in the forests through natural means
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Each prescribed fire operation follows a prescribed fire burn plan, which considers temperature, humidity, wind, moisture of the vegetation, and conditions for the dispersal of smoke. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Fraud prevention systems should be upgraded to require real-time ID checks (capable of stopping $60 billion in UI fraud outright) and eligibility verification prior to fund dispersal; all funding should be linked to performance. Richard Stern and Katherine Miller/ The Heritage Foundation, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2025 Under the persistent high pressure -- highlighting the frequent lack of wind -- smoke gathered enough on some days to extremely limit smoke dispersal. Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2025 Many are featured on the Colossal website, including one of the most common claims about the role elephants play in seed dispersal. Nitin Sekar, ArsTechnica, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dispersal

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispersal was in 1821

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dispersal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispersal. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

dispersal

noun
dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
: the act or result of dispersing

Medical Definition

dispersal

noun
dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
: the act or result of dispersing
specifically : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

More from Merriam-Webster on dispersal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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