dentifrice

noun

den·​ti·​frice ˈden-tə-frəs How to pronounce dentifrice (audio)
: a powder, paste, or liquid for cleaning the teeth

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dentifricie, from Latin dentifricium, from denti- + fricare to rub — more at friction

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dentifrice was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near dentifrice

Cite this Entry

“Dentifrice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dentifrice. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

dentifrice

noun
den·​ti·​frice ˈdent-ə-frəs How to pronounce dentifrice (audio)
: a powder, paste, or liquid for cleaning the teeth

Medical Definition

dentifrice

noun
den·​ti·​frice ˈdent-ə-frəs How to pronounce dentifrice (audio)
: a powder, paste, or liquid for cleaning the teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on dentifrice

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!