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Wiktionary
surfactant

n. 1 (context chemistry English) A surface active agent, or wetting agent, capable of reducing the surface tension of a liquid; typically organic compounds having a hydrophilic "head" and a hydrophobic "tail". 2 (context biochemistry English) A lipoprotein in the tissues of the lung that reduces surface tension and permits more efficient gas transport.

WordNet
surfactant

n. a substance capable of reducing the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved [syn: wetting agent, wetter, surface-active agent]

Wikipedia
Surfactant

Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension (or interfacial tension) between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants.

Usage examples of "surfactant".

In irrigation, especially in nonporous soils, the surfactant aids soil penetration.

It was an offshoot of a chemical-warfare agent, and the Department of Defense was interested in its surfactant qualities.

The boy had thrust a leaflet toward her, but she had refused to take it, remembering the warnings about paper impregnated with topical hallucinogens or surfactant vomitants, and a moment later was bundled inside by an angry cop.

I soap myself down methodically then wash my hair, taking care to rub the inefficient surfactant gel into my scalp.

Taking water into the lungs washes out the surfactant coating and can lead to pulmonary oedema.

At least his coverall seemed to have been in contact with some washing surfactant in the recent past.

Mannesmann wash-head and solution of nonionic surfactant made from California citrus juice.

Certain surfactants are used in agriculture, to weaken the forces of surface tension and reduce the tendency of water to form into drops.

The man who knew most about agricultural surfactants was Gerald Moore.

Mannesmann wash-head and solution of nonionic surfactant made from California citrus juice.

In irrigation, especially in nonporous soils, the surfactant aids soil penetration.