detergent

[ dih-tur-juhnt ]

noun

1. any of a group of synthetic, organic, liquid or water-soluble cleaning agents that, unlike soap, are not prepared from fats and oils, are not inactivated by hard water, and have wetting-agent and emulsifying-agent properties.
2. a similar substance that is oil-soluble and capable of holding insoluble foreign matter in suspension, used in lubricating oils, dry-cleaning preparations, etc.
3. any cleansing agent, including soap. Compare anionic detergent, cationic detergent, synthetic detergent.

adjective

1. cleansing; purging.

detergent

/ dɪˈtɜːdʒənt /

noun

1. a cleansing agent, esp a surface-active chemical such as an alkyl sulphonate, widely used in industry, laundering, shampoos, etc

adjective

1. having cleansing power

detergent

/ dĭ-tûr′jənt /

1. A cleaning agent that increases the ability of water to penetrate fabric and break down greases and dirt. Detergents act like soap but, unlike soaps, they are derived from organic acids rather than fatty acids. Their molecules surround particles of grease and dirt, allowing them to be carried away.
2. Compare soap

Other Words From

• nonde·tergent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of detergent¹

First recorded in 1610–20; from French or directly from Latin dētergent- (stem of dētergēns, present participle of dētergēre ) “to wipe off”); deterge, -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of detergent¹

C17: from Latin dētergēns wiping off; see deterge

Example Sentences

Last week, Meta fired more than 20 employees from its Los Angeles office for misusing the company’s meal vouchers to purchase personal care items like laundry detergent, toothpaste and acne treatment pads instead.

From Salon

Soldiers in uniform pushed carts brimming with laundry detergent and chips.

From Los Angeles Times

The EPA’s Safer Choice standard is a voluntary program that allows manufacturers to affix a “Safer Choice” label to their dish soap, laundry detergent and other products.

From Salon

In the meantime, Noah wasn’t sleeping and she was going through so much laundry detergent and quarters that her grocery budget was drained.

From Los Angeles Times

Never wash produce with detergent or bleach, as the skin of some fruits and veg are porous and could absorb these chemicals.

From Salon

Related Words

• cleaner
• solvent