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 uses natural ingredients and surfactants to deal with mold and other contaminants on surfaces, such as bacteria.
—
Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
Just as noteworthy is what’s not inside—namely, surfactants, preservatives, and artificial fragrances.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025
Another focus is the development of sustainable surfactants that avoid fluorine or silicon.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2025
The researchers suggest focusing instead on using several different surfactants in the mixture.
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surfactant
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Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
Just as noteworthy is what’s not inside—namely, surfactants, preservatives, and artificial fragrances.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025
Another focus is the development of sustainable surfactants that avoid fluorine or silicon.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2025
The researchers suggest focusing instead on using several different surfactants in the mixture.
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surfactant
Cite this Entry
“Surfactant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surfactant. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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