detergent

[ dih-tur-juhnt ]

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. Compare anionic detergent, cationic detergent, synthetic detergent.

adjective

1. cleansing; purging.

detergent

/ dɪˈtɜːdʒənt /

noun

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

adjective

1. having cleansing power

detergent

/ 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

Other Words From

• nonde·tergent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of detergent¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of detergent¹

C17: from Latin dētergēns wiping off; see deterge

Example Sentences

If there are tough stains, you can use some mild detergent and presoak the blanket for 10 to 15 minutes in cool water.

From Popular-Science

However, if you wash your garment with detergent, then you will want to immediately reapply DWR, he advises.

From Outside Online

Bottles of laundry detergent—and beer—have subbed in as weights.

From Time

Finding a stain-removing companion for your typical cleaning products and detergents can often be a trial-and-error process that leaves your home interior or wardrobe at risk.

From Popular-Science

I use ½ cup vinegar instead of detergent, and I add ½ cup baking soda to the load.

From Washington Post

A new report says laundry detergent pods are sending 20,000 kids to the hospital each year.

From The Daily Beast

I now see that by the standards of modern American society, I do something comparable to concocting my own laundry detergent.

From The Daily Beast

He swore under his breath and twisted the valve that was supposed to dispense detergent.

From Project Gutenberg

He was thoroughly wet with the stuff and no amount of water and detergent would take it off.

From Project Gutenberg

Hot water is itself a detergent; that is, it has the power of dissolving dirt.

From Project Gutenberg

Such soap possesses very powerful detergent qualities, but it is apt to feel hard and be somewhat gritty in use.

From Project Gutenberg

Its detergent action is sometimes supposed to be due to the free alkali, whereas a well-made soap is practically neutral.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cleaner
• solvent