Surfactant
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /səɹˈfæktənt/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Surfactant is a noun meaning (biochemistry) A lipoprotein in the tissues of the lung that reduces surface tension and permits more efficient gas transport.
Meaning
(biochemistry) A lipoprotein in the tissues of the lung that reduces surface tension and permits more efficient gas transport.
More Meanings
- (chemistry) A surface-active agent, or wetting agent, capable of reducing the surface tension of a liquid; typically organic compounds having a hydrophilic “head” and a hydrophobic “tail”.
Example Sentences
It is conceivable that impairment of surfactant proteins is due to rheological and immunodefensive disorders of testis and epididymis or prostate.
Dr. Khorana added that this is especially true of cleansers that feature surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, as this class of ingredients can cause “dryness, irritation and eczema.”
Word Forms
- surfactants
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include detergent, emulsifier, dispersant, solubilizer, soap, saponin.
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Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
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