Surfactant

Pronunciation: /sərˈfæktənt/

Surfactant (noun)

  1. A chemical that helps water spread and remove dirt by lowering the surface tension of liquids.
  2. A substance that lets oil and water mix more easily, forming small particles that carry away grease.

Examples

  • A surfactant helps remove grease from surfaces.
  • Soap contains a surfactant that lifts dirt away.