Bleach
/bliːtʃ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo whiten or lighten something, typically by using a chemical substance.
/bliːtʃ/
To make something white or lighter by removing color.
The sun bleached the curtains.
💡 Simply: To make something whiter.
More Examples
She bleached her hair platinum blonde.
How It's Used
"I need to bleach these white towels to get rid of the stains."
"She bleached her hair blonde."
A chemical compound, typically a solution of sodium hypochlorite, used for whitening or disinfecting.
/bliːtʃ/
A chemical substance used for whitening.
Household bleach is a potent disinfectant.
💡 Simply: A liquid that makes things whiter.
More Examples
Be careful when handling bleach; it can irritate the skin.
How It's Used
"I used bleach to clean the toilet."
From Middle English *blechen, from Old English *blǣcan, meaning "to whiten," ultimately of Germanic origin.
Historically, bleach was derived from natural sources, such as lye and urine. Modern bleach, based on chlorine, became widely available in the 19th century.
Memory tip
Think of 'bleach' as making something bright and clean, like a 'beach'.