ˈhwīt ə n also ˈwī- verb
( whitened ; whitened ; whitening -t( ə )niŋ ; whitens )
Etymology: Middle English whitenen, from white (I) white + -nen -en
transitive verb
1. : to make white or whiter in any way (as by bleaching or blanching or by whitewashing)
whiten cloth
2. : to give an often specious appearance of purity, guiltlessness, or propriety to
3. : to deposit a white film of silver on (a metal) by simple immersion
intransitive verb
: to grow white : turn or become white
the hair whitens with age
the sea whitens with foam
Synonyms: see palliate