softener

[ saw-fuh-ner, sof-uh- ]

noun

1. Chemistry.
   1. any admixture to a substance for promoting or increasing its softness, smoothness, or plasticity.
   2. water softener.
2. a person or thing that softens.

ˈsoftener

/ ˈsɒfənə /

noun

1. a substance added to another substance to increase its softness, pliability, or plasticity
2. a substance, such as a zeolite, for softening water

Word History and Origins

Origin of softener¹

First recorded in 1600–10; soften + -er ¹

Example Sentences

I’m using stool softeners and laxatives as well as walking and drinking water.

From Seattle Times

She’d never planned to do TV or film, but when an advertising executive approached her one night after she’d performed an ensemble role in “Gypsy,” she soon booked TV ads for fabric softener and diapers.

From Los Angeles Times

Ion exchange resin is the same technology found in many home water softeners.

From Salon

These are drugs normally used as laxatives and stool softeners, but people are taking them to lose weight.

From Scientific American

Every day in the hospital, the nurses plied me with stool softeners which, unfortunately, failed to move me.

From Seattle Times