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

Thank you so much for the day brightener!

From Seattle Times

These days, I'm a laundry product minimalist, relying on just my regular detergent and an oxygen brightener.

From Salon

If I'm working with a durable natural fiber like cotton, linen, or hemp, I'll sometimes prepare a bath of detergent and oxygen bleach, like OxiClean or Meliora's Oxygen Brightener, and soak the garment overnight or even up to 24 hours.

From Salon

A long luxurious soak in a bath of hot water and oxygen brightener followed by a thorough wash is way more effective than a single laundry cycle.

From Salon

“It has a stain remover and an oxy brightener in it, and it does an amazing job of cleaning your clothes.”

From Seattle Times