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soap

n. · v.
US //ˈsoʊp// UK //sˈəʊp// soap
  1. 1 cleaning substance (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a substance used with water for washing your body or cleaning objects.

    a substance used as a detergent or surfactant for cleaning, traditionally a metallic salt of a fatty acid.

    Example

    She bought a bar of lavender soap to keep in the guest bathroom.

    Example

    The chemist explained how the molecular structure of soap allows it to emulsify oils, making them easy to rinse away with water.
  2. 2 television drama (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a popular television story about the daily lives of a group of people.

    a serialized television drama characterized by domestic situations and sentimental storylines.

    Example

    My grandmother never misses her favourite afternoon soap.

    Example

    Critics often dismiss soaps as low-brow entertainment, yet they maintain some of the most loyal audiences in the history of broadcasting.
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  1. 3 to apply soap (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to rub soap onto something or someone while washing.

    to apply soap or a lathering agent to a surface, typically for the purpose of cleansing.

    Example

    You should soap your hands for at least twenty seconds to kill germs.

    Example

    The technician carefully soaped the delicate glass equipment before placing it in the ultrasonic cleaner for a final rinse.
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