/duy as"peuhr euh/ , n.
1. the scattering of the Jews to countries outside of Palestine after the Babylonian captivity.
2. ( often l.c. ) the body of Jews living in countries outside Palestine or modern Israel.
3. such countries collectively: the return of the Jews from the Diaspora.
4. ( l.c. ) any group migration or flight from a country or region; dispersion.
5. ( l.c. ) any group that has been dispersed outside its traditional homeland.
6. ( l.c. ) any religious group living as a minority among people of the prevailing religion.
[ 1875-80; diasporá a dispersion. See DIA-, SPORE ]