detersive

adjective

de·​ter·​sive di-ˈtər-siv 

-ziv

: detergent

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

Medical Definition

detersive

1 of 2 adjective

de·​ter·​sive di-ˈtər-siv, -ziv 

: relating to or having detergent or cleansing activity

a detersive agent

detersive

2 of 2 noun

: a cleansing agent : detergent