Pronunciation: - ' lo ̇ r- ə l-, - ' lär-
Function: noun
Date: 1885
: the crystalline sodium salt C 12 H 25 NaO 4 S of sulfated lauryl alcohol also : a mixture of sulfates of sodium consisting principally of this salt and used as a detergent, wetting agent, and emulsifying agent (as in toothpastes, ointments, and shampoos)