n. & v.
--n.
1. a cleansing agent that is a compound of fatty acid with soda or potash or (insoluble soap) with another metallic oxide, of which the soluble kinds when rubbed in water yield a lather used in washing.
2 colloq. soap opera.
--v.tr.
1. apply soap to.
2 scrub or rub with soap.
Phrases and idioms:
soap flakes soap in the form of thin flakes, for washing clothes etc. soap opera a broadcast drama, usu. serialized in many episodes, dealing with sentimental domestic themes (so called because orig. sponsored in the US by soap manufacturers). soap powder powdered soap esp. with additives.
Derivatives:
soapless adj. soaplike adj.
Etymology: OE sape f. WG