1. A surface-active chemical widely used in industry and laundering
   "The eco-friendly detergent was gentle on clothes and the environment"
    
2. A cleansing agent that differs from soap but can also emulsify oils and hold dirt in suspension
   "She added a cup of detergent to the washing machine"

1. Having cleansing power
   "The detergent properties of the soap made it effective at removing tough stains";
   - detersive

Derived forms: detergents

See also: purifying

Type of: cleaner, cleanser, cleansing agent, surface-active agent, surfactant, wetter, wetting agent

Encyclopedia: Detergent