Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DIS-SEM'I-NATE, v.t. [L. dissemino; dis and semino, to sow, from semen, seed.]

1. Literally, to sow; to scatter seed; but seldom or never used in its literal sense. But hence,
2. To scatter for growth and propagation, like seed; to spread. Thus, principles, opinions and errors are disseminated, when they are spread and propagated. To disseminate truth or the gospel is highly laudable.
3. To spread; to diffuse. A uniform heat disseminated through the body of the earth. – Woodward.
4. To spread; to disperse. The Jews are disseminated through all the trading parts of the world. – Addison. [The second is the most proper application of the word, as it should always include the idea of growth or taking root. The fourth sense is hardly vindicable.]