detersive

[ dih-tur-siv ]

adjective

1. cleansing; detergent.

noun

1. a detersive agent or medicine.

Other Words From

• de·tersive·ly adverb
• de·tersive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of detersive¹

1580–90; < Middle French détersif < Latin dēters ( us ) (past participle of dētergēre; deterge ) + -if -ive

Example Sentences

The seeds (tares) were formerly reputed detersive and astringent.

From Project Gutenberg

A preparation from the choicest Oriental Herbs, of peculiarly mild and detersive properties.

From Project Gutenberg