sprinkling

A small amount or quantity; a modicum.

A small quantity scattered or sparsely distributed.

The act of one who sprinkles, in any sense of the word; aspersion.

A small quantity falling in distinct drops or parts, or coming moderately: as, a sprinkling of rain or snow.

A small amount scattered here and there, as if sprinkled.

In bookbinding, the operation of scattering a shower of fine drops of color on the trimmed edges of the leaves to produce a mottled effect.

The act of one who, or that which, sprinkles.

A small quantity falling in distinct drops or particles.

Hence, a moderate number or quantity distributed like separate drops, or as if scattered like drops.

Present participle of sprinkle.