dentifrice

[ den-tuh-fris ]

/ ˈdɛn tə frɪs /

Save This Word!

noun

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

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of dentifrice

First recorded in 1450–1500; from Middle French, from Latin dentifricium “tooth powder, tooth paste,” equivalent to denti- denti- + fric(āre) “to rub” + -ium -ium

Words nearby dentifrice

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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