detergent
[ dih-tur-juh nt ]
/ dɪˈtɜr dʒənt /
noun
any of a group of synthetic, organic, liquid or water-soluble cleaning agents that, unlike soap, are not prepared from fats and oils, are not inactivated by hard water, and have wetting-agent and emulsifying-agent properties.
a similar substance that is oil-soluble and capable of holding insoluble foreign matter in suspension, used in lubricating oils, dry-cleaning preparations, etc.
any cleansing agent, including soap.
Compare anionic detergent, cationic detergent, synthetic detergent.
adjective
cleansing; purging.
Origin of detergent
OTHER WORDS FROM detergent
non·de·ter·gent, adjectiveWords nearby detergent
detention centre,
detention home,
deter,
deterge,
detergency,
detergent,
deteriorate,
deterioration,
determinable,
determinacy,
determinant
Example sentences from the Web for detergent
British Dictionary definitions for detergent
detergent
/ (dɪˈtɜːdʒənt) /
noun
a cleansing agent, esp a surface-active chemical such as an alkyl sulphonate, widely used in industry, laundering, shampoos, etc
adjective Also: detersive (dɪˈtɜːsɪv)
having cleansing power
Word Origin for detergent
C17: from Latin
dētergēns wiping off; see
deterge
Medical definitions for detergent
detergent
[ dĭ-tûr′jənt ]
n.
A cleansing substance that acts similarly to soap but is made from chemical compounds rather than fats and lye.
adj.
Having cleansing power.
Scientific definitions for detergent
detergent
[ dĭ-tûr′jənt ]
A cleaning agent that increases the ability of water to penetrate fabric and break down greases and dirt. Detergents act like soap but, unlike soaps, they are derived from organic acids rather than fatty acids. Their molecules surround particles of grease and dirt, allowing them to be carried away. Compare soap.