dental floss

noun

1. a soft, strong, waxed or unwaxed thread, usually made of nylon, for drawing between the teeth to remove food particles and prevent the buildup of plaque.

dental floss

noun

1. a soft usually flattened often waxed thread for cleaning the teeth and the spaces between them

Word History and Origins

Origin of dental floss¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

At Beatrice’s throat, hung from a length of dental floss, was a single pearl—one from Camilla’s necklace that had escaped being restrung.

From Literature

They’re in dental floss, food packaging, brake fluid, you name it.

From Slate

The pollutants, which repel water, oil and grease, are used in hundreds of everyday products from dental floss to cookware to firefighting foams.

From BBC

They’re in makeup, dental floss and menstrual products.

From New York Times

Due to their water, fat and dirt-repellent properties, they are used in thousands of products such as cosmetics, dental floss, but also in pan coatings and fire-extinguishing foam.

From Science Daily