Softener: meaning, definitions and examples

Repeated entry, same context as the first entry.

• You might need a meat softener to tenderize that steak.
• A water softener will help prevent scale build-up in your pipes.

Common in British English, specifically refers to a product added to laundry to make clothes soft and reduce static.

• My clothes feel so much softer after using fabric conditioner.
• She always adds fabric conditioner during the rinse cycle.

Widely used in both British and American English, refers specifically to a product for laundry use to make clothes soft and pleasant-scented.

• Don't forget to put the fabric softener in the washing machine.
• The fabric softener makes my towels feel extra fluffy.

This term is used in general to describe a substance or device that makes something softer or less harsh. It can relate to fabrics, water, or even attitudes.

• She added a softener to the laundry to make the towels fluffier
• His words acted as a softener to the harsh criticism

This term is used in the context of treating water to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause hardness. This device helps to prevent scale buildup in plumbing and appliances.

• Installing a water softener can greatly extend the life of your washing machine and water heater
• She noticed the dishes had fewer spots after the water softener was installed