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 better to clean the teeth with a piece of sponge, or very soft brush, than with a stiff brush, and there is no dentifrice so good as White Castile Soap.

From Project Gutenberg

Today it is employed as a preservative for cured meat and is the active ingredient in desensitizing dentifrice, including Crest Sensitivity toothpaste.

From Seattle Times

The leniency of the Government hitherto and the commercial energy of many religious orders, manufacturers of articles varying from chartreuse to hair-restorers and dentifrice, had enabled them to amass enormous sums held in mortmain.

From Project Gutenberg

The treatment consists in removing the tartar from the teeth, applying strong antiseptics to the groove between the teeth and the gums, and employing mouth-washes and dentifrices.

From Project Gutenberg

The teeth, too, might be made whiter with a dentifrice and brush; but in all likelihood the nearest approach to their having ever been cleansed has been while chewing a piece of tough deer-meat.

From Project Gutenberg