dispersant

[dih-spur-suhnt]

noun

1. something that disperses.

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

adjective

1. acting as a dispersant.

dispersant

/ dɪsˈpɜːsənt /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispersant¹

First recorded in 1940–45; disperse + -ant

Example Sentences

It was nasty work under oppressive, humid heat in oily water and around the chemical dispersant Corexit deployed in massive quantities to break up oil.

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First was expert testimony from Corexit researcher Dr. Veena Antony, a professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at the University of Alabama, who told the court she believes there’s no safe level of the oil dispersant one could inhale.

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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.

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The current producer of Corexit, ChampionX, said the dispersant was pre-approved by the government for use on oil spills and the manufacturer had no role in deciding when or how to spray it.

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Workers filing individual lawsuits have to prove they were exposed to enough oil or dispersant to — more likely than not — cause their illness.

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