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
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
The scent was pleasant but faint, and the surfactant power was really lacking.
—Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for surfactant 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
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
The scent was pleasant but faint, and the surfactant power was really lacking.
—Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for surfactant
Dictionary Entries Near surfactant
Cite this Entry
“Surfactant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surfactant. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share