-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
wetting agent
noun
: a substance that by becoming adsorbed prevents a surface from being repellent to a wetting liquid and is used especially in mixing solids with liquids or spreading liquids on surfaces
Examples of wetting agent in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Another approach is to manage the fairy ring with fertilizers, wetting agents and careful watering.
—oregonlive, 13 May 2023
One idea is that a yawn can help distribute a protective wetting agent called surfactant in the lungs and prevent them from collapsing.
—Jennifer Walter, Discover Magazine, 29 Dec. 2020
The money would go toward purchase of rock salt, or sodium chloride, and liquid calcium chloride, which is a pre-wetting agent for the rock salt.
—Steve Lord, chicagotribune.com, 8 Nov. 2021
Another type of simulated granite countertop kit, Transformations, available at www.rustoleum.com, uses an adhesive base coat, special wetting agent, decorative chips and two-part finish coating.
—James Dulley, Dallas News, 11 Jan. 2020
Color enhancers are basically wetting agents that also seal.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2019
Then an old-fashioned wetting agent that anybody who once had a darkroom will remember was used.
—Erik Lacitis, The Seattle Times, 16 July 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wetting agent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1927, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near wetting agent
Cite this Entry
“Wetting agent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wetting%20agent. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Medical Definition
wetting agent
noun
: a substance that promotes the spreading of a liquid on a surface or the penetration of a liquid into a material especially by becoming adsorbed in such a way that the liquid is no longer repelled
More from Merriam-Webster on wetting agent
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wetting agent
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share