noun Uncommon

DEA

DEA (noun) means Diethanolamine, a chemical compound used in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, and some cosmetics. Example: “The ingredient label listed DEA among the surfactants.”

noun

Diethanolamine, a chemical compound used in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, and some cosmetics.

"The ingredient label listed DEA among the surfactants."

How to use DEA

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA chemical abbreviation you might spot on the ingredients list of shampoos or cleaning products.

When to use it

Technical/chemical term, almost always seen in its abbreviated form. Not to be confused with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, also abbreviated DEA.

Word forms

DEAs plural

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The ingredient label listed _____ among the surfactants.

Etymology

An abbreviation formed from the initials of "diethanolamine."

Rhymes for DEA

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Frequently asked questions

What does “DEA” mean?

The word “DEA” means diethanolamine, a chemical compound used in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, and some cosmetics. In plain terms, a chemical abbreviation you might spot on the ingredients list of shampoos or cleaning products.

How do you use “DEA” in a sentence?

Here is “DEA” used in a sentence: “The ingredient label listed DEA among the surfactants.”

What part of speech is “DEA”?

“DEA” is a noun.

Is “DEA” a common word?

“DEA” is an uncommon word in modern English.