surface-active
adjective
sur·face-active
ˈsər-fəs-ˌak-tiv 
: altering the properties and especially lowering the tension at the surface of contact between phases
soaps and wetting agents are typical surface-active substances
Examples of surface-active in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The first is utilizing the surface-active electrodes and cheap catalysts.
—
Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surface-active.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surface-active. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share