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

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 • Apr. 18, 2024

However, to date, scientists still do not exactly know how the oil and dispersant affected these vulnerable organisms.

From Science Daily • Feb. 20, 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

Many of the fishermen and women used their boats to help the clean-up effort by deploying booms and spreading oil dispersant.

From The Guardian • Apr. 18, 2020

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