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

This mixture is introduced into a series of vessels, or cells, in which the surfactants cause the rare earth–bearing grains to bind selectively to bubbles floating to the top of the cells. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 Dec. 2024

Fortunately, this Avene cleansing foam takes care of it all for you, providing a thorough cleanse with Avene thermal spring water, non-sulfated surfactants, glycerin, and diglycerin. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025

Most prominently, sulfates (a surfactant that creates a bubbly lather) and silicones (a polymer that creates a shiny, smooth film on hair) have gotten a bad rap due mostly to the clean beauty movement, which really took off in the early 2010s and peaked nearly a decade later. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 13 Jan. 2025

This uses natural ingredients and surfactants to deal with mold and other contaminants on surfaces, such as bacteria. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

surface-active + -ant

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing surfactant

• co-surfactant

Medical 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