surface-active agent

noun

: a substance useful for its cleansing, wetting, dispersing, or similar powers

surface-active agents … in dilute aqueous solution

—Donald Price

called also surfactant

see detergent sense c compare wetting agent

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!