whitener

[ hwahyt-n-er, wahyt- ]

noun

1. a preparation for making something white, as a bleach, dye, or polish:

   a bottle of shoe whitener.

2. a person or thing that whitens.
3. a person who applies whitener, as in a manufacturing process.

whitener

/ ˈwaɪtənə /

noun

1. a substance that makes something white or whiter
2. a powdered substitute for milk or cream, used in coffee or tea

Word History and Origins

Origin of whitener¹

First recorded in 1605–15; whiten + -er ¹

Example Sentences

They color graying hair, buy anti-balding products, use teeth whiteners and wrinkle fillers, and much more.

From Science Daily

They arrived in West Hollywood at various times in the Aughts and Teens from places like Tampa or St. Louis with trunks full of teeth whitener and dreams.

From Salon

The vinegar also acts as a whitener for stained white socks, dirty dishcloths and delicates.

From Seattle Times

A California engineer named Walter Liew was caught stealing secrets relevant to the production of titanium dioxide, which is used as a whitener in paint and toothpaste.

From New York Times

It is also used as a whitener in some toothpastes, and as a common household cleaning agent.

From Washington Post