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Definition of detergent
(Entry 1 of 2)
: that cleanses : cleansing a detergent oil
detergent
nounDefinition of detergent (Entry 2 of 2)
: a cleansing agent: such as
a : soap
b : any of numerous synthetic water-soluble or liquid organic preparations that are chemically different from soaps but are able to emulsify oils, hold dirt in suspension, and act as wetting agents
c : an oil-soluble substance that holds insoluble foreign matter in suspension and is used in lubricating oils and dry-cleaning solvents
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Time Traveler for detergent
The first known use of detergent was in 1616
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