softener

[saw-fuh-ner, sof-uh-]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Chemistry.��
1. any admixture to a substance for promoting or increasing its softness, smoothness, or plasticity.
2. water softener.
a person or thing that softens.

ˈ��Ǵڳٱ�Ա��

/ ˈ��ɒ��ə��ə /

noun

a substance added to another substance to increase its softness, pliability, or plasticity
a substance, such as a zeolite, for softening water

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Word History and Origins

Origin of softener¹

First recorded in 1600–10; soften + -er ¹

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

I’m using stool softeners and laxatives as well as walking and drinking water.

From

She’d never planned to do TV or film, but when an advertising executive approached her one night after she’d performed an ensemble role in “Gypsy,” she soon booked TV ads for fabric softener and diapers.

From

Ion exchange resin is the same technology found in many home water softeners.

From

These are drugs normally used as laxatives and stool softeners, but people are taking them to lose weight.

From

Every day in the hospital, the nurses plied me with stool softeners which, unfortunately, failed to move me.

From

soften softening of the brain

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