noun
- chemical substances that break up and scatter oil spills or other materials in water
Usage: environmental science; plural form
Examples
- The Coast Guard deployed dispersants to break up the oil spill.
- Chemical dispersants help prevent oil from reaching the shoreline.
- Scientists are studying the environmental effects of dispersants on marine life.
- The cleanup crew applied dispersants from aircraft over the affected area.
- New biodegradable dispersants are being developed for safer oil spill response.
- Dispersants work by reducing the surface tension between oil and water.