Dispersal: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in a scientific or technical context, especially when discussing the spreading of populations, seeds, or particles over a wide area.

• The dispersal of seeds by wind helps plants grow in new areas
• Wildlife biologists study the dispersal of animal populations to understand migration patterns

Commonly used in both scientific and business contexts to describe the way something is shared out or spread over a particular area. It can refer to goods, resources, or any quantifiable items.

• The distribution of food aid needs to be efficient to reach all the affected areas
• In statistics, the distribution of data points helps us understand the trend

Used broadly in many contexts, including the spread of diseases, ideas, information, or physical substances. It indicates something expanding or moving over a wide area.

• The rapid spread of the new virus has caused worldwide concern
• Social media plays a big role in the spread of information

Refers to the act of throwing or spreading something loosely over an area. Often associated with physical items or particles spreading out in different directions.

• The children enjoyed scattering the autumn leaves in the yard
• The scattering of light through the clouds created a beautiful sunset

Suitably used in scientific or formal contexts to describe the action or process of spreading things or people over a wide area.

• The dispersal of seeds happens through wind or animal activity.
• Emergency services managed the dispersal of the crowd quickly.

Ideal for formal or academic situations to refer to the act of spreading information, ideas, or knowledge to a wide audience.

• The dissemination of research findings is crucial for academic progress.
• Effective dissemination of health information helps prevent diseases.

Best for scientific or academic settings, especially in physics and mathematics, to refer to the process of distributing something over an area or volume.

• Light experiencing dispersion results in a spectrum of colors.
• The chemical dispersion in the water was measured over time.

Commonly used in everyday language to describe something being thrown in various directions, often in a random manner. Can have a mildly chaotic or uncontrolled connotation.

• The children enjoyed scattering the leaves in the park.
• She saw the scattering of ashes as a way to honor her grandmother.