What word describes something that is thinly dispersed or scattered?

The word that describes something that is thinly dispersed or scattered is "sparse." This term commonly refers to elements that are not densely packed or are insufficient in number within a specific area. It can be applied in various contexts, such as describing vegetation in an area that is not thickly grown, or data points in a distribution that are spread out rather than clustered together.

In contrast, the other options do not convey this meaning. "Lurking" refers to the act of remaining hidden or concealed, particularly with a suggestive or ominous quality. "Harrow" relates to a farming implement used to break up and level soil, or as an adjective, it can describe something that causes distress or anguish, rather than dispersion. "Ethos" pertains to the characteristic spirit or beliefs of a community or culture. None of these definitions align with the concept of something being thinly scattered or dispersed, making "sparse" the most accurate choice.