conditioner
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a thick liquid you put on your hair after washing it to make it soft and easy to brush.
a cosmetic substance used to improve the texture and manageability of hair after shampooing. Often uncountable when referring to the substance generally.
Simple“After using the new conditioner, my hair felt much softer and was easier to comb.”
In context“The stylist recommended a leave-in conditioner to protect the hair from heat damage during the blow-drying process.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun when referring to the product in general, but countable when referring to a specific bottle or type.
Synonymshair treatmentbalm - 02 B1 Intermediate
a liquid added to a washing machine to make clothes feel soft and smell nice.
a chemical agent added to laundry to prevent static and soften the fabric. Also known as fabric softener.
Simple“Don't forget to add the fabric conditioner to the final rinse cycle.”
In context“The laundry detergent already contains a built-in conditioner, so there is no need to add extra softener to the machine.”
UsageCommonly called 'fabric softener' in American English.
Synonymsfabric softener - 03 C1 Advanced
a person who helps athletes or animals get into top physical shape.
a specialist responsible for the physical preparation and fitness levels of athletes or racehorses.
Simple“The team hired a new strength and conditioner to help the players avoid injuries.”
In context“The head coach worked closely with the lead conditioner to ensure the players reached peak physical form before the tournament began.”
UsageUsually appears in the compound phrase 'strength and conditioning coach' or 'conditioner' in professional sports contexts.
Synonymstrainerfitness coach - 04 C1 Advanced
anything that is used to improve the quality or state of something else.
a substance or device used to bring something to a desired state or quality.
Simple“We added a soil conditioner to the garden to help the plants grow better.”
In context“The technician installed a power conditioner to protect the sensitive laboratory equipment from fluctuations in the electrical supply.”
Synonymsimprovermodifier
From condition + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.