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Glite Dictionary
detergent builder

detergent builder

6.2
A chemical added to soap or detergent to make hard water softer and help remove dirt
  • noun
  • /dɪˈtɜrdʒənt ˈbɪldər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : agente de construcción para detergentes
  • Many modern laundry soaps use a detergent builder to improve cleaning performance in hard water.

Examples

  • The addition of a detergent builder can help break down minerals that inhibit soap’s action.

  • Phosphates were once common as a detergent builder before environmental concerns led to alternatives.

  • A common detergent builder is sodium tripolyphosphate.

  • Many detergent builders help improve cleaning efficiency.

  • Many modern laundry soaps use a detergent builder to improve cleaning performance in hard water.

  • Phosphates were once common as a detergent builder before environmental concerns led to alternatives.

  • The addition of a detergent builder can help break down minerals that inhibit soap's action.

Synonyms

builder
vsdetergent builder
  • Specialized
3 7.5

A substance added to soap or detergent to help with cleaning

is a chemical additive that often softens water or removes impurities

How Clean

detergent builder
  • Specialized
6.2

Surface Forms

detergent builder singular
detergent builders plural

Morphology

detergent + builder

The compound is compositionally interpretable: 'detergent' (cleaning product) + 'builder' (something that builds or enhances) yields 'a substance that enhances the performance of detergents' — a directly derivable meaning. Although the term is technical, it follows regular noun–noun composition patterns in English, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the intended sense.

Etymology

The term detergent builder comes from the image of a helper who 'builds up' a cleaner: a builder strengthens a detergent so it can cut through dirt and deal with minerals in the water. That's why it means 'a substance added to a detergent to help it clean better'.