surfactant

noun

sur·​fac·​tant (ˌ)sər-ˈfak-tənt 

ˈsər-ˌfak-

: a surface-active substance (such as a detergent)

surfactant adjective

Examples of surfactant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Dunn, liquid detergents are based on surfactants and they’re made with oil, either vegetable or crude oil/petroleum. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024

Luke says to try to avoid sulfates and surfactants for that reason. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024

Time for a science lesson: Traditional cleansers use surfactants, such as soap, to remove dirt and excess oil from the skin, along with moisturizing ingredients that deposit on the skin to prevent it from feeling tight and dry. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2024

This is why some brands add moisturizing agents to their shampoos or even skip surfactants altogether by going sulfate-free with their formulas. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

surface-active + -ant

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing surfactant

• co-surfactant

Medical Definition

surfactant

noun

sur·​fac·​tant (ˌ)sər-ˈfak-tənt, ˈsər-ˌ 

: a surface-active substance

specifically : a surface-active lipoprotein mixture which coats the alveoli and which prevents collapse of the lungs by reducing the surface tension of pulmonary fluids

surfactant adjective