dispersant

plural dispersants

1. chemistryAny substance that is used to prevent settling or clumping of particles suspended in a liquid.

   Effects due to the dispersant solvent and surfactants in the water column may be surmised only from laboratory studies

   1989, National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Effectiveness of Oil Spill Dispersants, Using oil spill dispersants on the sea, page 122

   2 more examples

   Since the effectiveness of dispersants is time-critical, the sooner that concurrence can be obtained and the dispersant applied, the more effective such

   1989, Tony E. Hart, “Letters of Agreement for the use of Dispersants”, in L. Michael Flaherty, editor, Oil dispersants: new ecological approaches, page 152

   Scientists warn that the dispersed oil, as well as the dispersants themselves, might cause long-term harm to marine life.

   2010 May 13, Paul Quinlan, “Less Toxic Dispersants Lose Out in BP Oil Spill Cleanup”, in New York Times

   Synonyms: disperser, dispersing agent