Definition of: dispersion

(dis·pûr′zhən, -shən) noun
1. The act of dispersing; the state or result of being dispersed; also dis·per′sal.
2. Mil. The dispersed pattern of hits made by bombs dropped under the same conditions, or by bullets or shells shot from one gun with the same firing data.
3. Physics a The separation of light rays of different colors by the action of a prism or lens. b The process of sorting out emissions, as of electrons, in accordance with the values or magnitudes of selected properties, physical, chemical, electrical, etc.
4. Chem. The condition of the components making up a colloid system: distinguished from solution.
5. Stat. The arrangement of a series of values around the median or mean of a distribution.