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Glite Dictionary
detergency

detergency

1 8.1
The ability of a soap to remove dirt from clothes and dishes
  • noun
  • /dɪˈtɜrdʒənsi/
  • Specialized
: detergencia
  • The laundry powder was tested for detergency to ensure it could remove stubborn stains.

Examples

  • High detergency is essential for effective cleaning.

  • Scientists are developing new agents with increased detergency for industrial cleaning.

  • The detergency of a soap depends on its ability to emulsify oils and dirt.

  • The detergency of this soap is impressive.

  • The detergency of this new cleaner makes it effective for tough grease stains.

  • Researchers measure the detergency of various cleaning products to find the most effective ones.

  • For best results, choose a detergent with high detergency to tackle embedded dirt.

Synonyms

detergence
vsdetergency
  • Archaic
9.9

Ability of soap or a cleaning product to remove dirt

is the alternate noun form for the same concept

Surface Forms

detergency singular
detergencies plural

Morphology

detergency = detergent (transparent) = detergent + ency

Formed by the adjective/noun 'detergent' plus nominalizing suffix '-ency' to denote the quality or state of being cleansing, so meaning is directly derivable from the base.

Etymology

Detergency comes from the same root as detergent, from Latin parts de- meaning 'off' and tergere meaning 'to wipe' or 'clean'. So detergency is the power to 'wipe away' dirt, which is why it means a cleaner's or soap's cleaning strength.