Detergent is a commonly used household item that is used for cleaning purposes. The word "detergent" is spelled with ten letters - d-e-t-e-r-g-e-n-t. The phonetic transcription of this word using the International Phonetic Alphabet is /dɪˈtɜrdʒənt/. This word is pronounced as "di-tur-juhnt", with emphasis on the second syllable. The word originates from the Latin word "detergentem", meaning "that which wipes off", which is appropriate given its cleaning capabilities. Overall, the spelling of the word "detergent" is simple and straightforward.
Detergent refers to a substance or chemical compound that is specifically formulated to cleanse and remove dirt, grease, oil, stains, and other impurities from various surfaces or materials. It is commonly used in the process of washing clothes, cleaning dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in households.
Typically, detergents consist of a combination of surfactants, which are surface-active agents that reduce the surface tension between substances and hence, aid in the easy removal of dirt or stains. These surfactants are usually synthetic compounds that have properties to emulsify and solubilize substances that are generally insoluble in water. In addition to surfactants, detergents may also contain various additives such as enzymes, bleaches, fabric softeners, enzymes, perfumes, and colors, depending on the specific purpose they are intended for.
Detergents come in various forms including powders, liquids, gels, and bars, each designed for different applications and types of cleaning tasks. They are formulated to be effective in different water conditions, temperatures, and for specific types of stains or dirt. Detergents are rinsed off after use with water in order to remove the dirt and any residue left by the detergent itself.
Overall, detergents play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in households, industrial processes, and various other applications where efficient cleaning is required.
1. Cleansing. 2. A cleansing or purging agent.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
That which cleanses.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "detergent" comes from the Latin term "detergens", which is the present participle of the verb "detergere". "Detergere" means "to wipe off" or "to cleanse thoroughly". The Latin term is derived from the combination of "de", meaning "away", and "tergere", which means "to rub". Therefore, "detergent" essentially refers to a substance used to remove dirt or stains by rubbing or wiping it away.