detergent
Americannoun
-
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.
adjective
noun
adjective
-
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
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Detergent and deodorant, toothpaste, the entire shampoo aisle.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2024
Jean Calleja, co-owner of the Eco Laundry Company, a sustainable wash-and-dry service in New York, says his company gives customers two options: Ecos’ Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent with Built-In Softener or the Laundress’ Signature Detergent.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 2, 2021
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
It is a very difficult thing to get real blood nowadays, and, as your brother began it all with his Paragon Detergent, I certainly saw no reason why I should not have your paints.
From Lord Arthur Savile's Crime and Other Stories by Wilde, Oscar
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
