dispersant

American  

[dih-spur-suhnt] / dɪˈspɜr sənt /

noun

1. something that disperses.

2. Physical Chemistry. any admixture to a dispersion capable of maintaining the dispersed particles in suspension.

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adjective

1. acting as a dispersant.

dispersant British  

/ dɪsˈpɜːsənt /

noun

1. a liquid or gas used to disperse small particles or droplets, as in an aerosol

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Etymology

Origin of dispersant

First recorded in 1940–45; disperse + -ant

Example Sentences

These workers were exposed to crude oil and the chemical dispersant Corexit while picking up tar balls along the shoreline, laying booms from fishing boats to soak up slicks and rescuing oil-covered birds.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2024

Crude oil was added with and without dispersant under sunlight and dark conditions, with larger organisms filtered out.

From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2024

Twelve navy ships and three civilian ships along with a number of aircraft were also working to contain the spill at sea with booms and dispersant spray.

From Reuters • Jan. 29, 2022

This approach used 1.84 million gallons of the oil dispersant Corexit 9527, most of which was injected underwater at the site of the leak, with small amounts being sprayed on top of the spill.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

BP's response to the disaster was unprecedented, using enormous quantities of dispersant to break up oil before it hit shorelines, with unknown consequences.

From The Guardian • Feb. 22, 2013