Definition

A substance that helps reduce the surface tension of liquids, making it easier for them to spread or mix. It is often used in cleaning products and in the lungs to help keep air sacs open.

Example

Surfactants are commonly found in soaps and detergents to help them clean better.

Conversation

I was reading about how a surfactant helps in lung function.

Really? I had no idea it played such an important role.

Yeah, it reduces surface tension, which is pretty fascinating.

That sounds interesting! Science really has some amazing details.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Surfactant is formed from "sur-" (meaning over or above) and "factant" (from the Latin "facere", meaning to do or make). The word surfactant refers to a substance that reduces the surface tension of a liquid, effectively allowing it to spread more easily over a surface.

Memory Tip

Think of something that works 'over' ('sur-') to 'make' ('facere') a liquid spread more easily — that's what a surfactant does.

Visually Confused Words