The removal of calcium and magnesium ions from water, or their replacement with sodium, either by chemical reaction or by ion exchange.

present participle of soften up

A device which reduces the calcium and magnesium concentration of hard water by passing it through an ion exchange resin.

Any medication used to introduce water and/or fat to the contents of the patient's intestines, making those contents more likely to pass out in the feces.

plural of stool softener

plural of fabric softener

A chemical agent used to prevent static cling and make fabric softer by coating the surface of the cloth fibers with a thin layer of chemicals; these chemicals have lubricant properties and are electrically conductive, thus making the fibers feel smoother and preventing buildup of static electricity; usually available as a liquid or as dryer sheets.

plural of water softener

To make softer. / (by extension, idiomatic) To appease someone in order to make them more receptive to an idea or proposal. / To become less committed to something.

simple past tense and past participle of soften up