[de.ter.gent] adj (1616): that cleanses: cleansing
[2]detergent n (1676): a cleansing agent: as a: soap b: any of numerous synthetic water-soluble or liquid organic preparations that are chemically different from soaps but are able to emulsify oils, hold dirt in suspension, and act as wetting agents c: an oil-soluble substance that holds insoluble foreign matter in suspension and is used in lubricating oils and dry-cleaning solvents