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

But BP’s experts argued individual 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 • Apr. 18, 2024

Additionally, sunlight played a crucial role in intensifying dispersant toxicity.

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