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| sur·fac·tant [ sur fáktənt ] (plural sur·fac·tants) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. substance reducing surface tension of liquids: an agent that reduces the surface tension of liquids so that the liquid spreads out, rather than collecting in droplets, e.g. a detergent or a drug
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2. substance secreted in lungs: a surface-active lipoprotein substance secreted naturally in the lungs, lack of which causes respiratory problems especially in premature babies
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| [Mid-20th century. <surface + active] |
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