Dispersal Meaning and Definition

Dispersal

Dispersal

Pronunciation

/ˈdɪspərəl/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A process of spreading or scattering something, such as people, animals, or plants, over a wide area or through a system or network.

Examples

  • The company implemented a dispersal policy to reduce the impact of their operations on the environment.
  • The flock of birds dispersed across the field in search of food.

Synonyms

  • Spread
  • Diffusion

Antonyms

  • Concentration
  • Accumulation

Etymology

Dispersal comes from the Latin word “dispersus,” meaning “scattered” or “spread out.”

Usage Notes

Dispersal is often used in scientific and technical contexts, particularly in the fields of biology, ecology, and environmental science.

Cultural References

Dispersal has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

  • “Scatter the seeds, watch them grow” (meaning to disperse and allow to grow)

Related Words or Phrases

  • Spread
  • Diffusion
  • Scattered

Collocations

  • Dispersal pattern
  • Dispersal rate
  • Dispersal network

Frequency of Use

Dispersal is a relatively infrequent word, but it is commonly used in specific contexts, particularly in scientific and technical writing.

Common Misspellings

  • Dispersion
  • Despersal

Related Words