Meaning & use
surfactant
Last updated
A substance that reduces the surface tension of a liquid, allowing it to spread or mix more easily, as in soaps and detergents.
See it in a sentence
The surfactant in the dish soap helps break down grease on the plates.
Premature babies sometimes lack enough natural surfactant in their lungs to breathe easily.
A note on using this word
Common in chemistry and medicine; the word blends 'surface,' 'active,' and 'agent.'
Words with a similar meaning
wetting agent
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