sodium lauryl sulfate

noun sodium lau·ryl sulfate \ -ˈlȯr-əl- , -ˈlär- \

Definition of sodium lauryl sulfate

: the crystalline sodium salt C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S of sulfated lauryl alcohol; also : a mixture of sulfates of sodium consisting principally of this salt and used as a detergent, wetting agent, and emulsifying agent (as in toothpastes, ointments, and shampoos)

Recent Examples of sodium lauryl sulfate from the Web

The mixture is natural (the active ingredients include sodium lauryl sulfate and malic acid) and comes in a stand-up jar.

— lauren piro, Good Housekeeping, "7 Genius Ways to Kill Fruit Flies," 7 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sodium lauryl sulfate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of sodium lauryl sulfate

1885

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

sodium lauryl sulfate

noun

medical Definition of sodium lauryl sulfate

: the crystalline sodium salt C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S of sulfated lauryl alcohol; also : a mixture of sulfates of sodium consisting principally of this salt and used as a detergent, wetting, and emulsifying agent (as in toothpastes, ointments, and shampoos)