surfactant

noun

sur·​fac·​tant (ˌ)sər-ˈfak-tənt 

ˈsər-ˌfak-

: a surface-active substance (such as a detergent)

surfactant adjective

Examples of surfactant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nonionic surfactants are commonly used in pharmaceutical products.10 Examples of nonionic surfactants include: Alkyl ether Alkyl glyceryl ether Polyoxy ethylene 4 lauryl ether Polyoxy ethylene acetyl ethers Cationic Surfactants Cationic surfactants have a positive charge on their hydrophilic end. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025

Sulfate-free surfactants aren't as cleansing as sulfate surfactants. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025

The lungs are already awash in a fat-rich material called surfactant, which coats the lungs’ interior and keeps the tissue from collapsing. —Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025

Unlike Western cleansers, which often rely on harsh surfactants or astringent ingredients, Korean ones maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and natural pH balance, says Cho. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

surface-active + -ant

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing surfactant

• co-surfactant

Rhymes for surfactant

• attractant
• extractant
• reactant

Medical Definition

surfactant

noun

sur·​fac·​tant (ˌ)sər-ˈfak-tənt, ˈsər-ˌ 

: a surface-active substance

specifically : a surface-active lipoprotein mixture which coats the alveoli and which prevents collapse of the lungs by reducing the surface tension of pulmonary fluids

surfactant adjective