Detergent

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

English (US): /dɪˈtɝː.dʒənt/

English (UK): /dɪˈtɜː.dʒənt/

French: /də.tɛʁ.ʒɑ̃/

Definitions

• A cleansing agent, usually in liquid or powder form, used to remove dirt, grease, and stains, especially from fabrics, dishes, and surfaces.
• A synthetic cleaning compound that acts as a surfactant to break down oils and debris.

Usage Examples

• She added a scoop of detergent to the washing machine before starting the cycle.
• The laboratory tested different detergents for their effectiveness in breaking down grease.

Etymology

From Latin detergere ("to wipe away, cleanse"), composed of de- ("away") and tergere ("to wipe"). The term was later adopted into French as détersif and into English as "detergent" in the 17th century.

Synonyms

• Cleanser
• Soap
• Surfactant
• Laundry liquid
• Washing agent

Antonyms

• Dirt
• Filth
• Contaminant
• Pollutant

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, "detergent" is pronounced with a rhotic "ɝː" sound, whereas British English features the non-rhotic "ɜː". Additionally, in some South Asian English accents, a slightly softer "t" sound is used.

Historical Usage

Early detergents were derived from natural saponins and soap-like compounds. The 20th century saw the emergence of synthetic detergents, revolutionizing household and industrial cleaning.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, different cleaning traditions exist. For example, some Asian households prefer plant-based or natural detergents, while Western markets favor highly concentrated, chemically formulated detergents.

More Information

Modern detergents contain surfactants, enzymes, and fragrances that enhance their cleaning power. They are used in various applications, including laundry, dishwashing, and industrial cleaning.

Environmental concerns have led to the development of biodegradable and phosphate-free detergents to reduce pollution and improve sustainability.