French word

dentifrice

Pronunciation

IPA/dɑ̃tifʁis/

Meaning

  • masculine nountoothpaste

Example

Tu as du dentifrice ?

Do you have any toothpaste?

Illustration for dentifrice (toothpaste)

More examples

Il faut acheter du dentifrice.

It is necessary to buy toothpaste.

Core concept

A small amount of tooth-cleaning paste spread along toothbrush bristles.

Common phrases

  • un tube de dentifrice

    a tube of toothpaste

  • acheter du dentifrice

    buy toothpaste

Similar words

brosse à dents: A tool with a handle and bristles for cleaning the teeth.
tube: A narrow cylindrical container designed for squeezing out its contents.
fil dentaire: A strong, threadlike product for removing debris between the teeth.

Definition in French

Substance pâteuse que l'on met sur la brosse à dents pour nettoyer les dents.

Word origin

The French noun dentifrice preserves the Latin formation dentifricium, combining the root for 'tooth' with the verb fricare, 'to rub'.

Usage tips

  • For the container, French commonly says un tube de dentifrice rather than treating dentifrice itself as the container.

Word lists with this word