| whiten | To grow white; to turn or become white or whiter; as, the hair whitens with age; the sea whitens with foam; the trees in spring whiten with blossoms. Origin: OE. Whitenen; cf. Icel. Hvitna. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
|---|---|
| whitener | One who, or that which, whitens; a bleacher; a blancher; a whitewasher. A bleach. 2. A chemical used as an adjunct to laundering white cloth, which makes white cloth appear whiter. A bluing agent. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| whiteness | 1. The quality or state of being white; white colour, or freedom from darkness or obscurity on the surface. 2. Want of a sanguineous tinge; paleness; as from terror, grief, etc. "The whiteness in thy cheek." 3. Freedom from stain or blemish; purity; cleanness. "He had kept The whiteness of his soul, and thus men o'er him wept." (Byron) 4. Nakedness. 5. <zoology> A flock of swans. Origin: AS. Hwitness. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |