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polydispersity

polydispersity

9.9
How much the particles or molecules in a sample differ in size
  • noun
  • /ˌpɒlɪdɪˈspɜːrsɪti/
  • Specialized
translation icon : polidispersidad
  • A low polydispersity indicates that the polymer molecules are nearly the same size.

Examples

  • The polydispersity of the sample was measured to determine the uniformity of the polymer chains.

  • Researchers aim to reduce polydispersity to improve the material's performance in industrial applications.

  • The polydispersity of the sample affects its properties.

  • Higher polydispersity can lead to unpredictable behavior.

  • The polydispersity of the sample was measured to determine the uniformity of the polymer chains.

  • A low polydispersity indicates that the polymer molecules are nearly the same size.

  • Researchers aim to reduce polydispersity to improve the material's performance in industrial applications.

Synonyms

dispersity
vspolydispersity
  • Specialized
9.5

The amount that tiny parts in a sample differ in size or weight

is narrower, focusing on molecular size or weight differences in chemistry
variedness
vspolydispersity
6.3

A state with many different kinds of things

is a technical measure of size or molecular weight variation in samples

How Variable

polydispersity
  • Specialized
9.9
dispersity
  • Specialized
9.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

polydispersity = dispersity (semi-transparent) = poly + disperse + ity

The word is built transparently from 'poly' plus 'dispersity', but the chemistry-specific sense is technical rather than directly predictable for all learners.

Etymology

Polydispersity comes from poly- meaning 'many' and disperse meaning 'to scatter'. So, polydispersity is a measure of how many different sizes are 'scattered' in a sample, in other words how varied the particles are.