First Known Use: 1950
Dictionary
surfactant
noun sur·fac·tant \(ˌ)sər-ˈfak-tənt, ˈsər-ˌ\
Definition of SURFACTANT
: a surface-active substance (as a detergent)
— surfactant adjective
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Origin of SURFACTANT
surface-active + -ant
Rhymes with SURFACTANT
Medical Dictionary
surfactant
noun sur·fac·tant \(ˌ)sər-ˈfak-tənt, ˈsər-ˌ\
Medical Definition of SURFACTANT
: 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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