Dictionary

1detergent

adjective de·ter·gent \-jənt\

Definition of DETERGENT

:  that cleanses :  cleansing <a detergent oil>
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First Known Use of DETERGENT

1616

2detergent

noun

: a powder or liquid that is used to clean clothes, dishes, etc. : a chemical substance that is like soap

Full Definition of DETERGENT

:  a cleansing agent: as
a :  soap
b :  any of numerous synthetic water-soluble or liquid organic preparations that are chemically different from soaps but are able to emulsify oils, hold dirt in suspension, and act as wetting agents
c :  an oil-soluble substance that holds insoluble foreign matter in suspension and is used in lubricating oils and dry-cleaning solvents

First Known Use of DETERGENT

1676

Related to DETERGENT

DETERGENT Defined for Kids

detergent

noun de·ter·gent \di-ˈtər-jənt\

Definition of DETERGENT for Kids

:  a substance that cleans

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