Surfactant

Pronunciation
/SURF-ak-tant/
Category
Formulation
Singular
Surfactant
Plural
Surfactants

Definition

A substance that reduces surface tension, allowing liquids to spread more easily. In insecticide formulations, surfactants help disperse insoluble insecticides in water.

Etymology

From the words 'surface' and 'active agent', combined as 'surfactant'.

Example

The addition of surfactants to an insecticide formulation improves its ability to adhere to the target surface.

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