softener

[ saw-fuh-ner, sof-uh- ]

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.

ˈsoftener

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of softener¹

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

Example Sentences

Fabric softeners work by coating the fabric fibers with a soft-feeling residue.

From Outside Online

On light-weight goods the softener giving the most general satisfaction is paraffin.

From Project Gutenberg

For a softener on heavy weight goods nothing has been found superior to good beef tallow.

From Project Gutenberg

To get this evenness the badger hair softener must be washed out and dried after coating each sheet.

From Project Gutenberg

But time is a sure healer of wounds; a softener of resentment.

From Project Gutenberg

You will note that this softener also contains a percentage of grime which lodges in the pores.

From Project Gutenberg