detergent

Noun · Adjective
US[dih-tur-juhnt]/dɪˈtɝdʒənt/3 syllables
Synonyms: detersive

Open English WordNet

Noun (2)

  1. a surface-active chemical widely used in industry and launderingType of wetting agent, wetterKinds anionic detergent, sodium lauryl sulphate, cationic detergent
  2. a cleansing agent that differs from soap but can also emulsify oils and hold dirt in suspensionType of cleansing agent, cleanserKinds liquid detergent, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent

Adjective (1)

  1. having cleansing powerSynonyms: detersiveOpposite adulterantSimilar purifying
Word of the day · Oct 16About this word
bombasticadjective

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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

De·ter′gent adjective

Origin: L. detergens, -entis, p. pr. of detergere: cf. F. détergent.

Cleansing; purging. — noun A substance which cleanses the skin, as water or soap; a medicine to cleanse wounds, ulcers, etc.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54

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