noun
Uncommon
detergent
dih-TURD-zhuhnt
Detergent (noun) means a cleaning agent, especially a manufactured chemical rather than traditional soap. Example: “Add a capful of laundry detergent to the wash.”
noun
1
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
1
Having a cleansing effect.
"The soap has a mild detergent action on oily skin."
How to use detergent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA substance made to clean things, usually manufactured rather than a natural soap.
Common pairings
laundry detergent
dish detergent
detergent powder
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Word forms
- Plural
- detergents
- Comparative
- more detergent
- Superlative
- most detergent
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Add a capful of laundry _____ to the wash.
Etymology
From French détergent, from Latin dētergēns, "wiping off" — from dē- ("off") + tergēre ("to wipe").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for detergent
See all rhymes for detergent →Frequently asked questions
What does “detergent” mean?
The word “detergent” means a cleaning agent, especially a manufactured chemical rather than traditional soap. In plain terms, a substance made to clean things, usually manufactured rather than a natural soap.
How do you pronounce “detergent”?
“Detergent” is pronounced dih-TURD-zhuhnt (/dɪˈtɝd͡ʒənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “detergent” in a sentence?
Here is “detergent” used in a sentence: “Add a capful of laundry detergent to the wash.”
What part of speech is “detergent”?
Depending on how it is used, “detergent” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “detergent” come from?
The word “detergent” comes from Latin. From French détergent, from Latin dētergēns, "wiping off" — from dē- ("off") + tergēre ("to wipe").
Is “detergent” a common word?
“Detergent” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “detergent” have?
“Detergent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a cleaning agent, especially a manufactured chemical rather than traditional soap.
