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dispersed

v. · adj.
US //dɪˈspɝst// UK //dɪspˈɜːsd// dis·persed
  1. 1 to scatter or spread (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to move apart and go in different directions, or to spread something out over a large area.

    to cause to separate and move in different directions; often used in the passive voice to describe the distribution of a group or substance.

    Example

    The crowd dispersed quickly once the rain started falling heavily.

    Example

    The police ordered the protesters to leave, and the group eventually dispersed into the surrounding side streets without further incident.

    Usage

    Often used as an intransitive verb when a crowd moves away, or transitively when an agent spreads something.
  2. 2 spread out (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    spread over a wide area rather than being concentrated in one spot.

    distributed or spread over a wide area; not concentrated or clustered.

    Example

    The company has a very dispersed workforce, with employees living in ten different countries.

    Example

    The archaeological survey revealed a dispersed settlement pattern, suggesting that the ancient inhabitants lived in small, isolated farmsteads rather than a central village.
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  1. 3 to break up a substance (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    to break something up so it disappears or spreads into another substance, like smoke in the air.

    to cause a gas, liquid, or smoke to thin out and eventually vanish through spreading.

    Example

    The strong winds dispersed the thick fog by mid-morning.

    Example

    The chemical agent was designed to be dispersed as a fine mist, ensuring maximum coverage across the affected agricultural zone.

    Usage

    Commonly used in scientific contexts regarding particles, light, or chemicals.

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