Definition

Describing a system that contains particles of different sizes rather than all being the same size.

Example

The polydisperse solution showed a variety of particle sizes under the microscope.

Conversation

I just learned about polydisperse mixtures in my chemistry class.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It means there are different particle sizes present in the mixture.

That makes sense! I guess it can affect how the mixture behaves.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polydisperse → It is formed from "poly-" (from Greek "polus", meaning many) and "dispergere" (meaning to scatter). The word describes a system that has many different particle sizes scattered throughout.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') particles that are 'scattered' ('dispergere') in a mixture — that's what polydisperse means.

Visually Confused Words