surfactant

American  

[ser-fak-tuhnt] / sərˈfæk tənt /

noun

Chemistry.

1. surface-active agent.

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surfactant British  

/ sɜːˈfæktənt /

noun

1. Also called: surface-active agent.  a substance, such as a detergent, that can reduce the surface tension of a liquid and thus allow it to foam or penetrate solids; a wetting agent

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adjective

1. having the properties of a surfactant

surfactant Scientific  

/ sər-făk′tənt /

1. A substance that, when dissolved in water, lowers the surface tension of the water and increases the solubility of organic compounds. Surfactants are used in inks to increase the effects of capillary action; detergents are surfactants that help remove organic compounds from a substance by making them dissolve more readily in the water in which the substance is washed.

2. A substance composed of lipoprotein that is secreted by the alveolar cells of the lung and maintains the stability of pulmonary tissue by reducing the surface tension of fluids that coat the lung.

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Etymology

Origin of surfactant

1945–50; shortening of surf(ace)-act(ive) a(ge)nt

Example Sentences

Choosing the right surfactant and using the correct concentration are essential for keeping the emulsion stable.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

To prevent the exposed two-dimensional sheets from curling up, a surfactant was added.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2024

The name surfactant is derived from "surface active".

From Salon • Jan. 2, 2024

The chemicals, when mixed with water, create a surfactant foam that binds to burning objects, to cut off oxygen supply and suppress the flames.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2023

Instead of using something that might harm us, I mix a concoction of a surfactant, NaCl, and a chemical derivative of acetic acid—aka Dawn dish soap, salt, and vinegar.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera