Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Detergent \De*ter"gent\, a. [L. detergens, -entis, p. pr. of
   detergere: cf. F. d['e]tergent.]
   Cleansing; purging. -- n. A substance which cleanses the
   skin, as water or soap; a medicine to cleanse wounds, ulcers,
   etc.

Source : WordNet®

detergent
     adj : having cleansing power [syn: {detersive}]

detergent
     n 1: a surface-active chemical widely used in industry and
          laundering
     2: a cleansing agent that differs from soap but can also
        emulsify oils and hold dirt in suspension