Defn: That which deters or prevents.

DETERSION
De*ter"sion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. détersion. See Deterge.]

Defn: The act of deterging or cleansing, as a sore.

DETERSIVE
De*ter"sive, a. Etym: [Cf. détersif.]

Defn: Cleansing; detergent.
— n.

Defn: A cleansing agent; a detergent.

DETERSIVELY
De*ter"sive*ly, adv.

Defn: In a way to cleanse.

DETERSIVENESS
De*ter"sive*ness, n.

Defn: The quality of cleansing.