n- a molecule containing both hydrophilic (water loving, polar) and hydrophobic (water hating, nonpolar) parts, thus enabling the mixture of two generally imiscible (noncompatable) solvents such as oil and water.
soap, dish detergent, and molecules such as oleic acid and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) are all surfactants.
by Skippy McJimmers March 21, 2006