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.

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

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 Word Forms

• nondetergent 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

The medical profession successfully argued for an exemption from the wet wipe ban, arguing that non-plastic wipes absorb too much of the detergents and disinfectants impregnated in them, with potential consequences for patient safety.

Read more on BBC

It’s been treated with wax, oils, detergent, and lasers.

Read more on Literature

Lucas also isn’t replenishing staples as frequently, waiting until the last drops of detergent are used before restocking.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Walker agrees and likens it to the fact you can't remove an oily or dirty mark from clothes with just water, you need detergent too.

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Shires pauses, attempting to joke that it’s the laundry detergent that’s brought her to tears.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cleaner 
• solvent