detersivo

detergent

noun deh-ter-ZEE-voh Rare

Origin: From Latin detergere (to wipe off), from de- + tergere (to wipe).

Also means

cleaning product

Usage Note

Detersivo is the general word for household detergent — washing powder, washing-up liquid, or all-purpose cleaner. Italians distinguish detersivo per i piatti (dish soap) from detersivo per il bucato (laundry detergent). Do not confuse with disinfettante (disinfectant), which kills germs rather than just cleaning.

Examples

"Ho finito il detersivo per la lavatrice."

Natural Translation

I've run out of washing machine detergent.

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