In a manner that sprinkles or scatters something, typically water or liquid, often used in religious contexts.
From Latin 'aspergere' (to sprinkle) + '-ive' (quality) + '-ly' (manner adverb). The root 'aspergere' comes from 'ad-' (to) and 'spargere' (to scatter), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European 'sper-' meaning to strew.
This word is connected to the Catholic practice of aspersion—sprinkling holy water during Mass—which is why you see the Pope with that fancy water-sprinkler device; the word's Latin roots literally mean 'scatter toward' something.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.