dispersive

[ dih-spur-siv ]

adjective

1. serving or tending to disperse.

dispersive

/ dɪˈspɜːsɪv /

adjective

1. tending or serving to disperse

Derived Forms

• disˈpersively, adverb
• disˈpersiveness, noun

Other Words From

• dis·persive·ly adverb
• dis·persive·ness noun
• nondis·persive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispersive¹

First recorded in 1620–30; disperse + -ive

Example Sentences

This dramatic disparity between electron and hole-carrier transport is attributed to spatially separated electronic states near the Fermi level, which consists of dispersive and flat bands.

From Science Daily

The exhaustive report was the product of a six-month effort, including 3D microscopes, infrared spectroscopy and "energy dispersive X-ray analysis".

From BBC

In the early 1990s, Bourgain launched the modern era for dispersive, nonlinear partial differential equations.

From Nature

The questions hover over this dispersive novel like feedback resounding lowly.

From Los Angeles Times

This happens because ocean waves are dispersive, meaning that the speed of the wave depends on the period.

From Time