surfactant
noun/sərˈfæktənt/
Frequency rank: #18,746 most common English word
Meaning
a substance that reduces surface tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid, allowing them to mix.

Example sentence
The chemist added surfactant to the mixture to help water and oil blend together smoothly.
Synonyms & related words
- detergent
- emulsifier
- dispersant
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 18,701–18,800
- speedometerAn instrument in a vehicle that measures and displays the current speed.
- squalidExtremely dirty and unpleasant, often due to poverty or neglect.
- stringedhaving strings attached; describes musical instruments that produce sound through vibrating strings.
- submergeto put or sink below the surface of water or another liquid
- subordinationthe condition of being lower in rank or importance; the act of placing something under the control or authority of something else.
- tarnA small mountain lake, especially one formed in a cirque.
- tateran informal word for a potato, or a small fried potato snack.
- taxicaba car with a driver that you pay to take you somewhere; a taxi.
- thunka sudden realization or thought; also a technical term for a delayed computation wrapped in a function.
- unabashednot embarrassed or ashamed; open and bold.