a type of detergent in which the active part of the molecule is a positive ion (cation). Cationic detergents are usually quaternary ammonium salts and often also have bactericidal properties
cationic detergent in American English
noun
any of a class of synthetic compounds, as benzalkonium chloride, whose cations are colloidal in solution: used as antiseptics, wetting agents, and emulsifiers
Also called: invert soap
Word origin
[1960–65]This word is first recorded in the period 1960–65. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Pap test, disco, go-go, power play, zip code