Learn English – A word that describes a liquid’s tendency to form bubbles

single-word-requests

Is there a word that describes the property of a liquid that causes it to tend more easily to form long-lasting bubbles?

These liquids are increasing in this property:

water < milk < bubble solution < liquid soap

Viscosity or being viscous are a noun and an adjective that describe the property of a liquid/oil's thickness. I'm looking for something similar, but for the bubbly property that I'm describing.

Example usage:

  • I don't like this mouthwash. Bubbles foam out when I gargle, because it has a higher ___.

or

  • I don't like this mouthwash. Bubbles foam out when I gargle, because it's more ___.

Best Answer

You could rightfully say that the mouthwash has a lower surface tension, or that it is a better surfactant (or tensioactive). It may not sound fancy, but at least it will be physically correct.

The point is whether the bubbling has to be triggered somehow (e.g. by gargling) or not. A frothy, foamy or fizzy liquid is one that gives off bubbles spontaneously, while mouthwash or soap are not foamy as long as they're not shaken.