noun / adjective
detergent
di-TER-junt/dɪˈtɜːrdʒənt/
A substance that removes dirt or grease, or having this cleaning effect.
This detergent removes grease from dishes without leaving a residue.
Etymology
The pieces give the image of wiping something away. First describing something cleansing or purging, detergent became a name for a cleansing substance and later a chemical cleaning product.
In context
you can also add a little bit of distilled white vinegar or a gentle detergent if you like something like wool light would work well gently and I mean super super gently agitate your fabric
More examples
- Use a mild detergent to wash this wool sweater.
- Some detergents work well even in cold water.
- The cleaner's detergent action loosens dirt on the tiles.
Forms
detergent · detergents
Similar words
- soap
- A traditional cleaner made from fats and an alkali.
- degreaser
- Specifically targets grease rather than dirt and stains generally.