Lexic.us

Definition of Detersive

1. Adjective. Having cleansing power.

Definition of Detersive

1. a. Cleansing; detergent.

Definition of Detersive

1. Adjective. Having cleansing abilities ¹

2. Noun. A cleansing agent; a detergent. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Detersive

1. [n -S]

Medical Definition of Detersive

1. An agent which purifies or cleanses. Amphipathic, surface active, molecules with polar (water soluble) and nonpolar hydrophobic) domains. They bind strongly to hydrophobic molecules or molecular domains to confer water solubility. Examples include: sodium dodecyl sulphate, fatty acid salts, the Triton family, octyl glycoside. Origin: L. Detergere = to cleanse This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology (11 Mar 2008)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Detersive

Literary usage of Detersive

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Laws which Regulate the Deposition of Lead Ore in Veins: Illustrated by by William Wallace (1861)
"At greater depths its action appears to be not only detersive but also reproductive, other substances being often brought by it to * ' The Faerie Queen. ..."

2. Larcher's Notes on Herodotus: Historical and Critical Comments on the by Pierre-Henri Larcher (1844)
"A little further on we shall find this name used for the horse-radish, which I do not conceive to possess a detersive property. XC. 236. ..."

3. Chemical Abstracts by American Chemical Society (1916)
"The detersive value of soap is not dependent upon its chem. analysis. ... The chem. detersive action of free alkali and also its injurious action upon color ..."

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