Surfactant
Part of speech: noun
Definition: 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". A lipoprotein in the tissues of the lung that reduces surface tension and permits more efficient gas transport.
Detergent
Part of speech: noun
Definition: Any non-soap cleaning agent, especially a synthetic surfactant.
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: Having the power to clean.