Word
detergent
Phoneticsde·ter·gent, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈtɝdʒənt/
UK/dɪtˈɜːdʒənt/
Definitions
01cleaning agent
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a liquid or powder used for washing clothes, dishes, or floors.
n. a synthetic substance used for removing dirt and grease, especially in laundry or dishwashing.
“You only need a small amount of laundry detergent for this load of clothes.”
“The manufacturer recommends using a biological detergent to effectively remove organic stains at lower water temperatures.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the substance generally, but countable when referring to specific types.
Synonyms
02having cleaning power
C2 · Proficiency Science Technical · Formal
adj. having the power to clean something.
adj. possessing cleansing qualities; able to remove impurities or dirt.
“The solution has detergent properties that help break down the oil.”
“The researcher noted the detergent action of the compound, which allowed it to penetrate the cellular membrane during the experiment.”
Usage
Primarily used in technical, medical, or chemical contexts rather than everyday conversation.
Synonyms
Etymology
From French détergent, from Latin dētergēns, the present participle of dētergeō, from dē (“off”) + tergeō (“wipe, polish”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/detergent