noun
fluorescent whitening agent; optical brightener
Technical term for a chemical that absorbs UV light and emits visible blue light, making materials appear whiter. Used in detergents, paper, and textiles.
See also: 蛍光染料
この洗剤には蛍光増白剤が含まれている。
This detergent contains a fluorescent whitening agent.
蛍光染料 is a fluorescent dye used for coloring, while 蛍光増白剤 is specifically for whitening by converting UV to visible light.
Compound of 蛍光 (fluorescence) + 増白 (whitening) + 剤 (agent).