bleach

bleach · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A chemical agent used for whitening or disinfecting.

  2. 2.

    The process of whitening or lightening.

  3. 3.

    Whiten or remove color using chemicals or sunlight.

  4. 4.

    Make white or pale.

Forms

plural: bleaches

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bleach blonde — Hair lightened with bleach.
  • •
    bleached out — Faded or washed out.
  • •
    coral bleaching — Loss of color in coral due to stress.

Related words

Antonyms: dye, stain
See also: clean, disinfect, fade, whiten
Synonyms: disinfectant, whitener

Etymology

From Old English blǣcan ("to bleach, whiten"), from blāc ("pale, bright"), related to blīcan ("to shine").