rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydentifriceTooth-cleaning substance
noun

dentifrice

DEN-tuh-fruhs/ˈdɛntəfrəs/

A substance used to clean teeth.

This fluoride dentifrice helps clean your teeth and prevent cavities.

A close-up of a plain toothpaste tube with a small ribbon of paste extending from its open nozzle onto the bristles of a toothbrush, making the tooth-cleaning substance the focal point.
Etymology
dentiLatintooth
+friceLatinto rub

The roots combine “tooth” with “rub”: the Latin noun meant a powder for rubbing the teeth. The English word names a tooth-cleaning substance more generally, including toothpaste.

More examples

  • The label identifies the gel as a dentifrice.
  • The dentist recommends a mild dentifrice for sensitive teeth.
  • The store carries dentifrices in both paste and powder form.

Forms

dentifrice · dentifrices

Similar words

toothpaste
Specifically a paste or gel, rather than any tooth-cleaning substance.
tooth powder
Specifically a dry powder used to clean teeth.