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

Hua adds that even when herbicides and insecticides aren’t designed to harm amphibians, the additives in these products—like surfactants—can still be dangerous since frogs and toads can absorb these substances through their sensitive, permeable skin. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025

But Native Body Wash does it with more than two-dozen different scents and without sulfated surfactants, parabens, phthalates, and dyes. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025

However, many shampoos contain surfactants called sulfates that can overly dry the hair and irritate the scalp. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 May 2025

Those mild surfactants are what give this gel the ability to form a very light, sudsy lather, which is important to me in a cleanser. —Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 7 May 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