the.com/detergent
Chemistry's diplomat, brokering peace between grease and water that otherwise refuse to mingle.
means A cleaning agent whose molecules grab onto dirt and oil so water can rinse them away.
from From Latin detergere, to wipe off — de- (away) plus tergere (to scrub), the verb made an industry.
Two-faced moleculeOne end loves water, the other loves grease.
Soap rivalryDetergents work where hard water defeats soap.
Wartime birthFat shortages spurred synthetic detergents in early 1900s.