Definitions for detergent

• Definition
• Anagrams (167)

detergent de·ter·gent

Spelling: [dih-tur-juh nt]

IPA: /dɪˈtɜr dʒənt/

Detergent is a 9 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 11 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 13 points.

You can make 167 anagrams from letters in detergent (deeegnrtt).

Definitions for detergent

noun

1. any of a group of synthetic, organic, liquid or water-soluble cleaning agents that, unlike soap, are not prepared from fats and oils, are not inactivated by hard water, and have wetting-agent and emulsifying-agent properties.
2. a similar substance that is oil-soluble and capable of holding insoluble foreign matter in suspension, used in lubricating oils, dry-cleaning preparations, etc.
3. any cleansing agent, including soap. Compare anionic detergent, cationic detergent, synthetic detergent.

adjective

1. cleansing; purging.

Origin of detergent

1610-20; (Latin dētergent- (stem of dētergēns) wiping off (present participle of dētergēre). See deterge, -ent

Examples for detergent

Tincture of iodine locally, detergent washes, and the like, often secure a certain amount of comfort as palliatives.

The origin of soap was the discovery of the detergent properties of a boiled mixture of fat and alkali.

Gingerly she sat him down on a stool, and with detergent and water she began removing the mud.

In the case of weak-bodied soap, this addition gives firmness and tends to increase the detergent qualities.

Hot water is itself a detergent; that is, it has the power of dissolving dirt.

Formerly used to make an astringent and detergent lotion:—1 oz.

Uses, &c. Stimulant and detergent; very useful in indolent ulcerations, scald-head, and various foul eruptions.

Oxymel of verdigris is stimulant, detergent, and escharotic.

When fetor exists, as during the detachment of patches of exudation, antiseptic and detergent sprays may be employed.

detergent; in scorbutic eruptions, and foul ulcers, and to prevent infection.