surfactant
|sur-fac-tant|
C1
🇺🇸
/sərˈfæktənt/
🇬🇧
/sɜːˈfæktənt/
surface tension reducer
Etymology
Etymology Information
'surfactant' originates from the combination of 'surface active agent', where 'surface' refers to the outermost layer, and 'active' implies the ability to cause change.
Historical Evolution
The term 'surfactant' was coined in the 20th century as a blend of 'surface' and 'active agent'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to any agent that affects surface tension, and this meaning has remained consistent.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance that reduces the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved, allowing it to spread more easily.
Surfactants are used in detergents to help remove dirt and grease.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/12 21:23