brightener

[ brahyt-n-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that brightens.
2. a chemical or other agent used to increase brightness, as one added to toothpaste or detergent to intensify the cleansing or bleaching process.

Word History and Origins

Origin of brightener¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; brighten + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Of the specialty detergents, I’ve used Assos extensively, and find that it does an excellent job on synthetics, especially for preserving color, since it has optical brighteners.

From Outside Online

That epoch, to which I have looked forward as the brightener of my every view upon earth—how is it now clouded!'

From Project Gutenberg

But chaperonage was far from the whole destiny of a Brightener.

From Project Gutenberg

Mine was to gird my loins at Lucille's and Redfern's, in order to become a Brightener.

From Project Gutenberg

But I felt that my reputation as a Brightener was at stake, with Terry's hopes.

From Project Gutenberg

Gille Machree, "brightener of my heart;" the name of one of Gerald Griffin's sweetest songs.

From Project Gutenberg