Detergent: meaning, definitions and examples

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detergent

 

[dษชหˆtษ™rdส’ษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

cleaning agent

A detergent is a cleaning agent that removes dirt and grease from surfaces. It is commonly used for washing clothes, dishes, and other household items.

Synonyms

cleaner, soap, washing powder.

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Word Description / Examples
detergent

This is used for cleaning dishes, clothes, and surfaces. It is a general term that can be used for both liquids and powders.

  • I need to buy some detergent for the laundry.
  • Please add detergent to the dishwasher before starting it.
cleaner

Typically used for cleaning surfaces, windows, and other non-fabric items. Can refer to both liquid solutions and sprays.

  • Use this cleaner for the kitchen countertop.
  • The glass cleaner works great on windows.
soap

Commonly used for personal hygiene, like washing hands and body. It is also used for light cleaning tasks.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • I use soap to clean the dishes.
washing powder

Specifically refers to powdered detergent used in laundry to clean clothes.

  • We need to buy more washing powder.
  • This washing powder is effective on stains.

Examples of usage

  • It is important to use a detergent when doing laundry to ensure that clothes are properly cleaned.
  • This detergent is specially formulated to remove tough stains from dishes.
  • The detergent foams up when mixed with water, helping to lift dirt and grime.
  • Many detergents are now environmentally friendly, using biodegradable ingredients.
  • Some detergents are scented to leave a pleasant smell on cleaned items.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from the Latin word 'detergere', meaning 'to wipe away' or 'to cleanse'.
  • It began being used in English around the early 20th century as a term for cleaning agents.
  • The prefix 'de-' implies removal, while 'tergere' refers to cleaning, emphasizing its function.

Science

  • Detergents are made up of molecules called surfactants that can break down grease and dirt.
  • These surfactants reduce the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread and penetrate fabrics better.
  • There are two main types of detergents: anionic, which carry a negative charge, and cationic, which carry a positive charge.

History

  • The first synthetic detergent was made in Germany during World War I when soap became scarce.
  • After the war, these cleaning agents became popular in households due to their effectiveness on oily stains.
  • In the 1950s, powdered detergents became a common household item, transforming laundry practices globally.

Environmental Impact

  • Some detergents can harm aquatic life when they enter waterways, prompting the development of biodegradable options.
  • Phosphates in some detergents can lead to excessive algae growth in water bodies, disrupting ecosystems.
  • Many companies are now creating eco-friendly detergents that minimize environmental damage.

Pop Culture

  • Detergent brands have become iconic, with some even featuring in advertisements that parody everyday life.
  • Television shows and movies often use detergent in exaggerated ways to highlight characters' cleaning obsessions or mishaps.
  • In the 1990s, a popular trend was to create custom blends of scented detergents for a personal touch in laundry.

Translations

Translations of the word "detergent" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น detergente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเคฟเคŸเคฐเฅเคœเฅ‡เค‚เคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Reinigungsmittel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ deterjen

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะตั‚ะตั€ะณะตะฝั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ detergent

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆด—ๅ‰ค (ใ›ใ‚“ใ–ใ„)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dรฉtergent

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ detergente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท deterjan

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ธ์ œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู†ุธู

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ detergent

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ detergent

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆด—ๆถคๅ‰‚ (xวdรญ jรฌ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ detergent

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพvottaefni

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถัƒา“ั‹ัˆ ะทะฐั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ”แƒขแƒ”แƒ แƒ’แƒ”แƒœแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yuyucu vasitษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ detergente

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,845, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.