French Conversation · Level 130
46 words
French word
javel
Pronunciation
IPA/ʒavɛl/
Meaning
- feminine nounbleach
Example
Je vais acheter de la javel.
I'm going to buy some bleach.
More examples
Ne mélange pas la javel avec de l'ammoniaque.
Do not mix bleach with ammonia.
Core concept
A strong household bleach that removes color from stains and kills microbes on suitable surfaces.
Common phrases
de la javel
bleach
eau de javel
chlorine bleach
Similar words
désinfectant: A disinfecting product that reduces bacteria and viruses on surfaces or objects.
eau de Javel: A household bleach solution used for whitening and disinfection.
détergent: A detergent used to clean dirt from dishes, clothing, and other items.
détachant: A cleaning agent designed to remove specific stains.
Definition in French
Produit liquide contenant du chlore, utilisé pour blanchir le linge et désinfecter les surfaces.
Word origin
The name comes from eau de Javel, the term for chlorine bleach produced at Javel, a former Paris locality, and later became the shorter noun javel.
Usage tips
- Javel specifically refers to chlorine bleach, so other bleaching products such as eau oxygénée are not normally called javel.
Opposites
- teinturedyenoun
- colorantcoloring agentnoun
Related words
- javelliserbleachverb
- javellisébleachedadjective