Definition of "surface-active" [surface-active]

• Of, relating to, or being a substance capable of reducing the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved. Used especially of detergents. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "These “surface-active” molecules have many other applications as well."
• "Type: surface-active or chemosorptive substance, tensides for selective separation of various non conductors"
• "The introduction of a surface-active substance triggers a synergy with the fat and it helps break down the protein layer in a more efficient way."