deterge
Americanverb (used with object)
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to wipe or wash away; cleanse.
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to cleanse of impurities or undesirable matter, as a wound.
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of deterge
First recorded in 1615–25; from French déterger, from Latin dētergēre “to wipe off,” equivalent to dē- prefix indicating removal + tergēre “to wipe”; see origin at de-
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.
See Examples For:
I do not think that less used words should be deterged from the vocabulary of any spoken language.
From Time Magazine Archive
And when the Ulcer has been well deterged, and the tumified Glands entirely consumed by Suppuration, there remains nothing but to apply a simple Plaister to bring the Wound to a Cicatrice.
From A Succinct Account of the Plague at Marseilles Its Symptoms and the Methods and Medicines Used for Curing It by Chicoyneau, Francois
This Issue should be dressed afterwards according to our Author's Direction; and in the gradual healing of the Ulcer, it may be properly deterged by adding a little Præcipitate to the Digestive.
From Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health by Tissot, S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David)
Is the diamond in danger when it is put into the crucible; is the gold deteriorated when it is being deterged from dross?” was responded.
From The Advocate by Heavysege, Charles
Accordingly, wetting one end of his handkerchief with the all deterging specific, he began to rub away on the planks, without heeding the remonstrances of Mrs. Policy.
From The Fair Maid of Perth Or, St. Valentine's Day by Scott, Walter, Sir
The deterging, cleansing Gargarisin referred to § 112, is a light Infusion of the Tops of Sage, adding two Ounces of Honey to each Pint of it.
From Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health by Tissot, S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David)
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.
