deterge

[ dih-turj ]

verb (used with object)

, de·terged, de·terg·ing.

1. to wipe or wash away; cleanse.
2. to cleanse of impurities or undesirable matter, as a wound.

deterge

/ dɪˈtɜːdʒ /

verb

1. tr to wash or wipe away; cleanse

   to deterge a wound

Other Words From

• de·tergen·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deterge¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from French déterger, from Latin dētergēre “to wipe off,” equivalent to dē- prefix indicating removal + tergēre “to wipe”; de-

Word History and Origins

Origin of deterge¹

C17: from Latin dētergēre to wipe away, from de- + tergēre to wipe

Example Sentences

The deterging, cleansing Gargarisin referred to § 112, is a light Infusion of the Tops of Sage, adding two Ounces of Honey to each Pint of it.

From Project Gutenberg

And when the Ulcer has been well deterged, and the tumified Glands entirely consumed by Suppuration, there remains nothing but to apply a simple Plaister to bring the Wound to a Cicatrice.

From Project Gutenberg

Is the diamond in danger when it is put into the crucible; is the gold deteriorated when it is being deterged from dross?” was responded.

From Project Gutenberg

Accordingly, wetting one end of his handkerchief with the all deterging specific, he began to rub away on the planks, without heeding the remonstrances of Mrs. Policy.

From Project Gutenberg

This Issue should be dressed afterwards according to our Author's Direction; and in the gradual healing of the Ulcer, it may be properly deterged by adding a little Præcipitate to the Digestive.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bathe
• brush
• cleanse
• clear up
• disinfect
• dredge
• dust
• mop
• pick
• pick up
• rinse
• scrape
• scrub
• soak
• spruce up
• sweep
• vacuum
• wash
• wipe