C2nounformalnaturescience
US/dɪˈspɜːr.səl/
UK/dɪˈspɜː.səl/
the process of spreading things or people over a wide area
In context
Birds and bats play a key role in the dispersal of seeds.
Strong winds helped the dispersal of smoke from the forest fire.
Police ordered the dispersal of the crowd after midnight.
Words that go with dispersal
noun + noun
- seed dispersalSeed dispersal by animals helps forests grow back.
- wind dispersalDandelions rely on wind dispersal to spread their seeds.
- dispersal patternScientists tracked the dispersal pattern of young turtles.
noun + preposition
- dispersal ofThe dispersal of pollution depends on wind and rain.
adjective + noun
- wide dispersalLight seeds allow wide dispersal over long distances.