a surface-active chemical widely used in industry and laundering
"The new industrial facility installed massive tanks to mix detergent for bulk laundry operations."
a cleansing agent that differs from soap but can also emulsify oils and hold dirt in suspension
"I switched to liquid detergent for my heavy cooking pots because it breaks down the grease better than regular soap."
Any non-soap cleaning agent, especially a synthetic surfactant.
"She reached for the bottle of detergent instead of soap to wash her greasy work clothes in the sink."
Synonym of cleansing.
"She reached for the laundry detergent to make sure her white shirts would come out bright and clean after washing."