Quick Facts
- Also called:
- surfactant
- Related Topics:
- surfactant
- detergent
Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
wetting agent
chemical substance
wetting agent, chemical substance that increases the spreading and penetrating properties of a liquid by lowering its surface tensionāthat 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.
Discover how ordinary objects work, and expand your understanding of the familiar.
" height="20" alt="HEW Logo">
By clicking "Sign Up", you consent to the Britannica Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.