dispersal

[dih-spur-suhl]

noun

1. dispersion.

dispersal

/ dɪˈspɜːsəl /

noun

1. the act of dispersing or the condition of being dispersed

2. the spread of animals, plants, or seeds to new areas

Other Word Forms

• nondispersal noun
• redispersal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispersal¹

First recorded in 1815–25; disperse + -al ²

Example Sentences

A dispersal zone and enhanced powers will remain in place until 22:00 GMT.

Read more on BBC

“LAPD must declare an unlawful assembly, and issue dispersal orders, to ensure the safety of the public and restore order.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A man, 21, was arrested for failing to comply with an order to remove a face mask, and a boy, 17 was held for failing to comply with a dispersal order.

Read more on BBC

Researchers from Iceland, Hungary, and Spain discovered that most of the 78 vascular plant species found on Surtsey since 1965 lack any of the typical features linked to long-distance seed dispersal.

Read more on Science Daily

Police Scotland will also enforce "dispersal zones" in certain areas where crowds may gather.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• diffusion 
• dispersion 
• dissemination 
• scattering