What is another word for surface-active?
Pronunciation: [sˈɜːfɪsˈaktɪv] (IPA) 
Surface-active is a term used to describe substances that can alter the surface properties of a liquid. There are several synonyms that can be used to describe surface-active substances such as surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents and detergents. Surfactants are substances that reduce the surface tension of a liquid and allow it to spread more easily. Emulsifiers are substances that help mix two liquids that would otherwise not mix well, such as oil and water. Wetting agents help liquids spread more evenly over a surface and detergents are substances that help to remove dirt and grime from surfaces. These different synonyms all describe substances that are essential to a range of industrial processes such as cleaning, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.
