Detergent is a chemical substance, usually in the form of a powder or liquid, which is used for washing things such as clothes or dishes.
Synonyms: cleaner, cleanser, washing-up liquid, soap powder More Synonyms of detergent
More Synonyms of detergent
detergent in British English
(dɪˈtɜːdʒənt)
noun
1.
a cleansing agent, esp a surface-active chemical such as an alkyl sulphonate, widely used in industry, laundering, shampoos, etc
adjective also: detersive (dɪˈtɜːsɪv)
2.
having cleansing power
Word origin
C17: from Latin dētergēns wiping off; see deterge
detergent in American English
(diˈtɜrdʒənt; dɪˈtɜrdʒənt)
adjective
1.
cleansing
noun
2.
a cleansing substance; specif., a surface-active chemical preparation, as, now esp., a linear alkyl sulfonate, that is capable of emulsifying dirt or oil
see also soap
Word origin
L detergens, prp. of detergere: see deterge
Examples of 'detergent' in a sentence
detergent
We all put far too much stuff on our skins and definitely use too much detergent.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Only use a tablet detergent for a full load.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Examples are frozen orange juice and laundry detergent.
McKenzie, James F. & Pinger, Robert R. An Introduction to Community Health (1995)
You may also find a liquid detergent better.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Switch to a liquid detergent to avoid the problem.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
DON'T use dish detergent which contains harsh chemicals that are intended to cut grease and will strip away the wax finish.
The Sun (2007)
Then wash your skirt as normal, using a biological detergent.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
If possible, use a high temperature and a biological detergent.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
One cannot often tell whether it is a soap or a detergent except by reading the promotional copy or listening to the salesperson.
Brumberg, Elaine Take Care of Your Skin (1990)
For instance, suppose you were selling washing machine detergent.
Kiam, Victor Going For It!: How to Succeed As an Entrepreneur (1986)
A kinder alternative to bleach is a solution of biological washing detergent.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Soak the shirt in a biological detergent, then hand wash it as normal and hang out to dry.
The Sun (2014)
Wash with biological detergent at 40C.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
S2 Surely if gloves will not stand up to basic detergent, what use are they?
The Sun (2014)
It's the laundry detergent my mother-in-law uses.
Christianity Today (2000)
The majority of UK hospital infection control policies support the use of clinical detergent wipes in the routine cleaning of wards.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
First, put your laundry into the machine, then select your programme and pour liquid detergent into a compartment at the top of the machine.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
In other languages
detergent
British English: detergent /dɪˈtɜːdʒənt/ NOUN
Detergent is a chemical substance used for washing things such as clothes or dishes.
...a type of detergent.
American English: detergent
Arabic: مَادَةٌ مُنَظِّفَة
Brazilian Portuguese: detergente
Chinese: 洗涤剂
Croatian: deterdžent
Czech: čisticí prostředek
Danish: vaskepulver
Dutch: wasmiddel
European Spanish: detergente
Finnish: pesuaine
French: détergent
German: Reinigungsmittel
Greek: απορρυπαντικό
Italian: detergente
Japanese: 洗剤
Korean: 세제 세척제
Norwegian: vaskemiddel
Polish: detergent
European Portuguese: detergente
Romanian: detergent
Russian: моющее средство
Latin American Spanish: detergente
Swedish: tvättmedel
Thai: ผงซักฟอก
Turkish: deterjan
Ukrainian: мийний засіб
Vietnamese: bột giặt
Chinese translation of 'detergent'
detergent
(dɪˈtəːdʒənt)
n(c/u)
清洁(潔)剂(劑) (qīngjiéjì) (种(種), zhǒng)
(noun)
Definition
a chemical substance used for washing clothes, dishes, etc.
He squeezed some detergent over the dishes.
Synonyms
cleaner
cleanser
Their product range includes washing powder, washing-up liquid, and cream cleanser.
washing-up liquid
soap powder
soap flakes
(adjective)
Definition
having cleansing power
low-lather detergent powders
Synonyms
cleansing
cleaning
purifying
abstergent
detersive
Additional synonyms
in the sense of cleanser
Their product range includes washing powder, washing-up liquid, and cream cleanser.