Standard Lemma guide

detersive

adj · noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • rhymes with -ɜː(ɹ)sɪv

1

adj

Meaning 1

Having cleansing abilities

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The powdered roots of the Guayacan (lignum vitae) have detersive properties, and were once used as a household cleaning agent.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A cleansing agent; a detergent.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adjective satellite

Meaning 3

having cleansing power

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: detergent

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Compare French détersif.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: détersif — having cleansing abilities
  • French: détersive — having cleansing abilities