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
These surfactants excel at emulsifying oils and perform better than anionic surfactants at removing organic soils.
—
Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025
Pods, while convenient, often contain higher concentrations of surfactants and stabilizers, which can be harsher on sensitive skin.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 4 Mar. 2025
The milk surfactants create varying points of resistance as the dye makes its way through the maze.
—Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025
Spending more time gently massaging your cleanser can help surfactants—compounds that enable water to mix with oil and dirt—do their job more effectively.
—Cathy Cassata, Health, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surfactant
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Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025
Pods, while convenient, often contain higher concentrations of surfactants and stabilizers, which can be harsher on sensitive skin.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 4 Mar. 2025
The milk surfactants create varying points of resistance as the dye makes its way through the maze.
—Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025
Spending more time gently massaging your cleanser can help surfactants—compounds that enable water to mix with oil and dirt—do their job more effectively.
—Cathy Cassata, Health, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surfactant
Cite this Entry
“Surfactant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surfactant. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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