Detergible

/dɪˈtɜːrdʒɪbəl/ adjective

Definition

Capable of being cleansed or washed away; able to be removed by a cleansing agent.

Etymology

From Latin detergere (to wipe away) plus -ible (suffix meaning 'capable of being'), formed similarly to words like 'erodible' or 'combustible.'

Kelly Says

Not all stains are equally detergible—chemists discovered that some require specific surfactants or pH levels, which is why 'stain removal science' became a multi-billion-dollar industry in the 20th century.

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