dispersion Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun spreading widely or driving off
    scattering.
  2. noun the spatial or geographic property of being scattered about over a range, area, or volume
    distribution.
    • worldwide in distribution
    • the distribution of nerve fibers
    • in complementary distribution
  3. noun the act of dispersing or diffusing something
    diffusion; dissemination; dispersal.
    • the dispersion of the troops
    • the diffusion of knowledge

WordNet

Dis*per"sion noun
Etymology
CF. F. dispersion.
Definitions
  1. The act or process of scattering or dispersing, or the state of being scattered or separated; as, the Jews in their dispersion retained their rites and ceremonies; a great dispersion of the human family took place at the building of Babel.
    The days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished. Jer. xxv. 34.
  2. (Opt.) The separation of light into its different colored rays, arising from their different refrangibilities.

Webster 1913