An applicator comprising a source of fluid and a frangible applicator tip portion attached to the fluid source. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, the fluid flows from the source to an absorbent member attached to the applicator tip to spread the liquid on a surface. The frangible tip may comprise a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element, and a frangible region therebetween. The tongue element may comprise ribs for reinforcement. The frangible tip further may comprise a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid. The dispensing applicator may be used in various medical applications. A fin member, which may be formed as two securable halves, is configured to be disposed about the applicator to facilitate securing of the applicator within an absorbent member and to minimize risk of loss of tongue element portions due to possible separation proximate the frangible region during a use.
