detersive

adjective

de·​ter·​sive di-ˈtər-siv How to pronounce detersive (audio)
-ziv
detersive noun

Word History

Etymology

Middle French detersif, from Latin detersus, past participle of detergēre to deterge

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detersive was in 1586

Dictionary Entries Near detersive

Cite this Entry

“Detersive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detersive. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

detersive

1 of 2 adjective
de·​ter·​sive di-ˈtər-siv, -ziv How to pronounce detersive (audio)
: relating to or having detergent or cleansing activity
a detersive agent

detersive

2 of 2 noun
: a cleansing agent : detergent
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