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

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.

From Seattle Times

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.

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times

But BP’s experts maintained workers needed to show exactly how much oil and dispersant they had inhaled or ingested and that it was sufficient to cause their sickness.

From Seattle Times

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.

From Seattle Times