brightener
nounEtymology From brighten + -er.
1
One who or that which brightens.
- Country air in the fields, or in gardens, when breathed at proper hours, is an excellent bracer of the nerves, and a sure brightener of the complexion.1830, The Mirror of the Graces: Or, The English Lady's Costume, page 27:
- Chirol's own advice was simple: get the Russian agreement signed. March, month of change, brightener of days and moods, brought that action notably closer.2006, Linda Fritzinger, Diplomat Without Portfolio: Valentine Chirol, His Life and "The Times":
2
A chemical agent that absorbs ultraviolet and violet light and re-emits blue light by fluorescence, used to make fabric or paper look whiter.
3
Engineering, Metallurgy, Natural sciences, Physical sciences Any substance added to an electrolytic bath to yield a brighter electroplated surface.