dentifrice

[ den-tuh-fris ]

/ ˈdɛn tə frɪs /

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noun

a paste, powder, liquid, or other preparation for cleaning the teeth.

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Origin of dentifrice

1550–60; <Middle French <Latin dentifricium tooth powder, equivalent to denti-denti- + fric(āre) to rub + -ium-ium

Words nearby dentifrice

denti-, denticle, denticulate, denticulation, dentiform, dentifrice, dentigerous, dentigerous cyst, dentil, dentilabial, dentil band

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use dentifrice in a sentence

It is exceedingly light and porous in structure, and at one time was used largely as an antacid as well as a dentifrice.
The Sea Shore|William S. Furneaux
If you are wise, dear reader, you will never use a dentifrice, unless you know what it is made of.
Lights and Shadows of New York Life|James D. McCabe
Mouth-washes, it must be remembered, are as much used for rinsing the mouth after smoking as for a dentifrice.
The Art of Perfumery|G. W. Septimus Piesse
It forms an excellent tincture for the teeth, and is the basis of the celebrated French dentifrice "eau Botot."
The Art of Perfumery|G. W. Septimus Piesse

The last form, perhaps, the very best natural dentifrice known.
The Ladies Book of Useful Information|Anonymous

British Dictionary definitions for dentifrice

dentifrice

/ (ˈdɛntɪfrɪs) /

noun

any substance, esp paste or powder, for use in cleaning the teeth

Word Origin for dentifrice

C16: from Latin dentifricium tooth powder, from dent-, dens tooth + fricāre to rub

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for dentifrice

dentifrice

[ dĕn′tə-frĭs′ ]

A substance, such as a paste or powder, for cleaning the teeth.