noun

detergent

dih-TURD-zhuhnt

noun

A cleaning agent, especially a manufactured chemical rather than traditional soap.

"Add a capful of laundry detergent to the wash."

"Dish detergent cuts through grease better than plain water."

adj

Having a cleansing effect.

"The soap has a mild detergent action on oily skin."

How to Use Detergent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA substance made to clean things, usually manufactured rather than a natural soap.

Common pairings

laundry detergent dish detergent detergent powder

more detergent comparative, detergents plural, most detergent superlative

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Add a capful of laundry _____ to the wash.

From French détergent, from Latin dētergēns, "wiping off" — from dē- ("off") + tergēre ("to wipe").

emergent