detergent
n. C / Un. a chemical substance, usually a powder or liquid, that you use to wash clothes or dishes. It works like soap but is better at removing dirt in hard water.
n. a synthetic water-soluble cleansing agent that emulsifies oils and holds dirt in suspension. Unlike soap, it does not form scum when used with mineral-rich water.
I need to buy more laundry detergent for the washing machine.
The new liquid detergent is designed to remove tough grass stains even during a cold water wash cycle.
Industrial-strength detergents often contain specific enzymes and surfactants that break down organic matter more efficiently than standard household cleaning products.
From French détergent, from Latin dētergēns, the present participle of dētergeō, from dē (“off”) + tergeō (“wipe, polish”).
Countable when referring to different types or brands; uncountable when referring to the substance in general.