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dentifrice

toothpaste

noun dahn-tee-FREES Rare

Origin: Latin dentifricium, from dens 'tooth' + fricare 'to rub'

Usage Note

Dentifrice is the standard French word for toothpaste; English uses 'dentifrice' only in formal or commercial contexts. The related adjective dentaire (dental) and noun dentiste (dentist) share the same root. Common collocations: tube de dentifrice (tube of toothpaste).

Examples

"Il faut acheter du dentifrice."

Natural Translation

We need to buy some toothpaste.

Literal Translation

It is necessary to buy some toothpaste.

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