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
Commercial cleaners often contain powerful degreasers and surfactants designed to break down grease and grime with minimal scrubbing.
—
Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024
As previously reported, Princeton University physicist Howard Stone has tracked the fluid motion in whiskey drops with fluorescent markers, concluding that surfactant molecules collect at the edge of the drop.
—Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 2 Oct. 2023
Look for products that contain enzymes or surfactants that can break down the stain.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023
To remedy dry hair or a dry scalp, think about using a hydrating formula that doesn’t contain sulfates — surfactants that help to clean the hair but can strip it if used in high quantities — such as Big Hair’s Clean SLS Free Shampoo.
—Caitie Kelly, New York Times, 29 Jan. 2024
The product does not contain any nitrates, sulfates, phosphates, parabens, dyes, or surfactants.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023
Adding surfactants makes the colors float so that they can be stirred—perhaps with a very fine human hair—or fanned out by blowing on the circles of ink or paint with a straw.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 8 Dec. 2023
Having lots of suds may mean stains are washed away, but those bubbles are the result of surfactants, which can also cause allergic skin rashes.
—Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, 29 Dec. 2023
Its unique blend of surfactants and other ingredients is tough on dirt, but gentle on surfaces, ensuring that your property is not only clean but also protected from damage.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023
Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024
As previously reported, Princeton University physicist Howard Stone has tracked the fluid motion in whiskey drops with fluorescent markers, concluding that surfactant molecules collect at the edge of the drop.
—Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 2 Oct. 2023
Look for products that contain enzymes or surfactants that can break down the stain.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023
To remedy dry hair or a dry scalp, think about using a hydrating formula that doesn’t contain sulfates — surfactants that help to clean the hair but can strip it if used in high quantities — such as Big Hair’s Clean SLS Free Shampoo.
—Caitie Kelly, New York Times, 29 Jan. 2024
The product does not contain any nitrates, sulfates, phosphates, parabens, dyes, or surfactants.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023
Adding surfactants makes the colors float so that they can be stirred—perhaps with a very fine human hair—or fanned out by blowing on the circles of ink or paint with a straw.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 8 Dec. 2023
Having lots of suds may mean stains are washed away, but those bubbles are the result of surfactants, which can also cause allergic skin rashes.
—Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, 29 Dec. 2023
Its unique blend of surfactants and other ingredients is tough on dirt, but gentle on surfaces, ensuring that your property is not only clean but also protected from damage.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023
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.
Dictionary Entries Near surfactant
Cite this Entry
“Surfactant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surfactant. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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