surfactant
/sɜːrfæktənt/ · sur.fac.tant
noun
- A substance that reduces the surface tension of a liquid, allowing it to penetrate and spread more easily. The surfactant in the soap helped it to lather and clean the dishes more effectively.
- A molecule that has both hydrophobic (water-repelling) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) properties, allowing it to interact with both oil and water. The surfactant in the emulsion helped to stabilize the mixture of oil and water.
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Did you know? Surfactants are widely used in everyday products, including soaps, shampoos, and cleaning agents, as well as in industrial applications such as oil recovery and textile manufacturing.