What is a dispersion or suspension?

A dispersion or suspension is defined as solid primary particles, agglomerates or aggregates distributed uniformly throughout a continuous medium. These particles or group of particles can range in size from .001 micrometers on up to greater than 1 micrometer. A dispersion is colloidal if at least one dimension is between .001 micrometer and 1 micrometer^.1

¹G.D. Parfitt (ed.), Dispersion of Powders in Liquids (New Jersey: Applied Science Publishers, 1981).