noun
: any of a class of synthetic detergents usually consisting essentially of an alkali metal salt or an ammonium salt of a strong acid containing 12 to 24 carbon atoms together with an inorganic salt (as sodium sulfate) and, for heavy-duty laundering, a builder (as sodium tripolyphosphate):as
a. : an alkyl aryl sulfonate (as sodium dodecyl-benzene-sulfonate C 12 H 25 C 6 H 4 SO 3 Na)
b. : a salt (as sodium lauryl sulfate C 12 H 25 SO 4 Na) of a sulfated alcohol