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
Each pack contains surfactants and a color-safe bleach to clean and remove carpet stains.
—
Carolyn Forté, Good Housekeeping, 15 Aug. 2023
Look for enzymes or surfactants which are often used to help break down greasy residues.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023
Type of Face Wash Basically all face washes perform the same task, says Dr. Ilyas: cleaning your skin through the use of surfactants and detergents, pulling away oil or grease and dirt from your skin while leaving behind hydration.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 8 Aug. 2023
Because the satellites easily spot surfactants' smoothing effect, the substances can act as a tracer for microplastics' movements, the researchers say.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 26 Apr. 2023
Foliar applications of calcium nitrate fertilizers or calcium chloride dihydrate (1.5 teaspoons per gal water plus 0.5 teaspoon of a surfactant) on a weekly basis during fruiting can provide necessary calcium when needed.
—oregonlive, 29 July 2023
This comparison should further solidify the correlation between surfactants and microplastics, Pan says.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 26 Apr. 2023
The premade mixture uses the active ingredients sodium lauryl sulfate (a surfactant used in soaps) and malic acid (found in fruit) and comes in a stand-up jar.
—Lauren Piro, Good Housekeeping, 30 June 2023
Coal cars are sprayed with a liquid surfactant that prevents dust from flying off, but that surfactant degrades with time and weathering, Ostro said.
—Claire Hao, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 May 2023
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Carolyn Forté, Good Housekeeping, 15 Aug. 2023
Look for enzymes or surfactants which are often used to help break down greasy residues.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023
Type of Face Wash Basically all face washes perform the same task, says Dr. Ilyas: cleaning your skin through the use of surfactants and detergents, pulling away oil or grease and dirt from your skin while leaving behind hydration.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 8 Aug. 2023
Because the satellites easily spot surfactants' smoothing effect, the substances can act as a tracer for microplastics' movements, the researchers say.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 26 Apr. 2023
Foliar applications of calcium nitrate fertilizers or calcium chloride dihydrate (1.5 teaspoons per gal water plus 0.5 teaspoon of a surfactant) on a weekly basis during fruiting can provide necessary calcium when needed.
—oregonlive, 29 July 2023
This comparison should further solidify the correlation between surfactants and microplastics, Pan says.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 26 Apr. 2023
The premade mixture uses the active ingredients sodium lauryl sulfate (a surfactant used in soaps) and malic acid (found in fruit) and comes in a stand-up jar.
—Lauren Piro, Good Housekeeping, 30 June 2023
Coal cars are sprayed with a liquid surfactant that prevents dust from flying off, but that surfactant degrades with time and weathering, Ostro said.
—Claire Hao, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 May 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'surfactant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
surface-active + -ant
First Known Use
1950, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing surfactant
Dictionary Entries Near surfactant
Cite this Entry
“Surfactant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surfactant. Accessed 29 Sep. 2023.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on surfactant
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about surfactant
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