dentifrice

[ den-tuh-fris ]

noun

1. a paste, powder, liquid, or other preparation for cleaning the teeth.

dentifrice

/ ˈdɛntɪfrɪs /

noun

1. any substance, esp paste or powder, for use in cleaning the teeth

Word History and Origins

Origin of dentifrice¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; from Middle French, from Latin dentifricium “tooth powder, tooth paste,” equivalent to denti- denti- + fric(āre) “to rub” + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of dentifrice¹

C16: from Latin dentifricium tooth powder, from dent-, dens tooth + fricāre to rub

Example Sentences

It is exceedingly light and porous in structure, and at one time was used largely as an antacid as well as a dentifrice.

From Project Gutenberg

If you are wise, dear reader, you will never use a dentifrice, unless you know what it is made of.

From Project Gutenberg

Mouth-washes, it must be remembered, are as much used for rinsing the mouth after smoking as for a dentifrice.

From Project Gutenberg

It forms an excellent tincture for the teeth, and is the basis of the celebrated French dentifrice "eau Botot."

From Project Gutenberg

The last form, perhaps, the very best natural dentifrice known.

From Project Gutenberg