wetting agent
wetting agent, chemical substance that increases the spreading and penetrating properties of a liquid by lowering its surface tension—that is, the tendency of its molecules to adhere to each other. See detergent; surfactant.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Erik Gregersen.
Citation Information
Article Title:
wetting agent
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
18 November 2018
Access Date:
November 14, 2026