Definition of detergent
: that cleanses : cleansing
- a detergent oil
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First Known Use of detergent
1616
Definition of detergent
: 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
Examples of detergent in a Sentence
We have tried different laundry detergents.
add the detergent to the washing machine before putting in the clothes
Recent Examples of detergent from the Web
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The mussels also contained four kinds of synthetic surfactants -- the chemicals found in detergents and cleaning products -- seven kinds of antibiotics, five types of antidepressants, more than one antidiabetic drug and one chemotherapy agent.
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The American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation recommends washing walls and ceilings with detergent and hot water, then applying two to three coats of paint.
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Shares of the maker of Tide detergent and Pampers diapers are down more than 20 percent in 2018 after yet another underwhelming quarter reported April 19.
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Launder your white blouses at home using detergent and bleach.
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In the studies, a larynx or trachea would be taken from a donor and all its cells removed using detergents and enzymes.
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Honest also reformulated its laundry detergent after a label issue.
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Common triggers include sweat, stress, soaps and detergents, and dust and pollen, among others.
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The condition, which may be exacerbated by certain allergens or irritants such as soaps or detergents, can flare up from time to time.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'detergent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of detergent
1676
DETERGENT Defined for English Language Learners
detergent
Definition of detergent for English Language Learners
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: a powder or liquid that is used to clean clothes, dishes, etc. : a chemical substance that is like soap
DETERGENT Defined for Kids
Definition of detergent for Students
: a substance that cleans
Medical Dictionary
medical Definition of detergent
: having a cleansing action
Learn More about detergent
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See words that rhyme with detergent Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for detergent Spanish Central: Translation of detergent Nglish: Translation of detergent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of detergent for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about detergent
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