detergent meaning

detergent as a noun

1. a surface-active chemical widely used in industry and laundering

   Type of: wetting agent

   Kinds: anionic detergent, cationic detergent, sodium lauryl sulphate

2. a cleansing agent that differs from soap but can also emulsify oils and hold dirt in suspension

   Type of: cleansing agent

   Kinds: dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, liquid detergent

   Related forms: deterge

detergent as an adjective

1. having cleansing power

   Synonyms: detersive

   Similar: purifying

   Related forms: detergency, detergence, deterge

detergent in a sentence

• I got a rash on my hands from dishwasher detergent.
• This towel needs to be washed with high-quality detergent.
• This detergent isn't suitable for microfiber towels.
• Don't use laundry detergent to wash these towels.
• He washes his towels with this laundry detergent.

How to pronounce detergent

detergent is pronounced /dɪˈtɝdʒənt/ in American English. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.

Words that rhyme with detergent

• urgent
• divergent
• emergent
• insurgent
• resurgent
• convergent