surfactant
noun
sur·​fac·​tant
| \ (ˌ)sər-ˈfak-tənt
, ˈsər-ˌfak-\
, ˈsər-ˌfak-\
Definition of surfactant
: a surface-active substance (such as a detergent)
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Examples of surfactant in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Chemists solve the problem by increasing the surface area of the oil particles and adding ingredients, called surfactants and emulsifiers, to prevent separation. — Carla K. Johnson, chicagotribune.com, "How much pot in that brownie? Chocolate can throw off tests," 27 Aug. 2019 Chemists solve the problem by increasing the surface area of the oil particles and adding ingredients, called surfactants and emulsifiers, to prevent separation. — Washington Post, "How much pot in that brownie? Chocolate can throw off tests," 26 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'surfactant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for surfactant
surfactant
noun
sur·​fac·​tant
| \ (ˌ)sər-ˈfak-tənt, ˈsər-ˌ
\
\
Medical Definition of surfactant
: 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