softener

American  

[saw-fuh-ner, sof-uh-] / ˈsɔ fə nər, ˈsɒf ə- /

noun

1. Chemistry.

   1. any admixture to a substance for promoting or increasing its softness, smoothness, or plasticity.

   2. water softener.

2. a person or thing that softens.

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ˈsoftener British  

/ ˈsɒfənə /

noun

1. a substance added to another substance to increase its softness, pliability, or plasticity

2. a substance, such as a zeolite, for softening water

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Etymology

Origin of softener

First recorded in 1600–10; soften + -er ¹

Example Sentences

He then adds vinegar to save on additives like softener.

From The Wall Street Journal

I’m using stool softeners and laxatives as well as walking and drinking water.

From Seattle Times

She’d never planned to do TV or film, but when an advertising executive approached her one night after she’d performed an ensemble role in “Gypsy,” she soon booked TV ads for fabric softener and diapers.

From Los Angeles Times

Ion exchange resin is the same technology found in many home water softeners.

From Salon

Every day in the hospital, the nurses plied me with stool softeners which, unfortunately, failed to move me.

From Seattle Times