conditioner
UK: kənˈdɪʃənə | US: kənˈdɪʃənər
n. a substance applied to hair, fabric, or another material to improve its quality or texture
n. a device or system that regulates environmental conditions (e.g., air conditioner)
n. a person or thing that conditions or trains (e.g., fitness conditioner)
conditioner = condition<state/quality> + er<agent suffix>
- condition: From Latin condicio (agreement, stipulation), later evolving to mean "state of being."
- er: A suffix denoting an agent or tool that performs an action (e.g., "teacher," "mixer").
Etymology Origin:
The word "conditioner" combines "condition," rooted in Latin condicio (originally referring to terms of an agreement), with the agentive suffix "-er." Over time, "condition" expanded to describe states or qualities, leading to "conditioner" as something that improves or maintains a specific state (e.g., hair conditioner). The suffix "-er" logically marks it as an active tool or agent.
She applied a deep moisturizing conditioner to her hair after shampooing.
The gym employs a professional conditioner to train athletes.
This fabric conditioner makes clothes feel softer.
The air conditioner broke during the heatwave.
He works as a soil conditioner in organic farming.