detergent

American  

[dih-tur-juhnt] / dɪˈtɜr dʒənt /

noun

1. 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.

2. a similar substance that is oil-soluble and capable of holding insoluble foreign matter in suspension, used in lubricating oils, dry-cleaning preparations, etc.

3. any cleansing agent, including soap.

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adjective

1. cleansing; purging.

detergent British  

/ dɪˈtɜːdʒənt /

noun

1. a cleansing agent, esp a surface-active chemical such as an alkyl sulphonate, widely used in industry, laundering, shampoos, etc

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adjective

1. having cleansing power

detergent Scientific  

/ dĭ-tûr′jənt /

1. 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.

2. Compare soap

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Other Word Forms

• nondetergent
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of detergent

First recorded in 1610–20; from French or directly from Latin dētergent- (stem of dētergēns, present participle of dētergēre ) “to wipe off”); see origin at deterge, -ent

Explanation

Detergent is a substance that's used for cleaning. Detergent is similar to soap, but it's stronger and dissolves more completely in water. Detergents are special, powerful cleansers that can break up dirt, oils, and grease in clothing or on dishes. You might buy laundry detergent for washing your dirty clothes and dish detergent for the sink full of plates and bowls after your dinner party. The Latin root of detergent is detergere, "to wipe away or cleanse."

Example Sentences

Detergent and deodorant, toothpaste, the entire shampoo aisle.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2024

Washing: Detergent and other cleansers, including stain removers.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2022

I tried all six of its products, from the Hand Sanitizer, $6, to the Everyday Laundry Detergent, $14.

From New York Times • Mar. 24, 2021

Detergent, fabric softener and a number of irons have also been provided.

From The Guardian • Apr. 11, 2017

I don't think it can be the fault of the Paragon Detergent," said Washington, "for I have tried it with everything.

From The Canterville Ghost by Goldsmith, Wallace

Related Words

• cleaner
• solvent