whiten

[hwahyt-n, wahyt-n] /ˈʰwaɪt n, ˈwaɪt n/
verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
1.
to make or become white.
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English whitenen; see white, -en1
Related forms
unwhitened, adjective
Synonyms
Whiten, blanch, bleach mean to make or become white. To whiten implies giving a white color or appearance by putting a substance of some kind on the outside: to whiten shoes. To blanch implies taking away natural or original color throughout: to blanch celery by growing it in the dark. To bleach implies making white by placing in (sun) light or by using chemicals: to bleach linen, hair.
Antonyms
blacken.
Examples from the web for whiten
  • Some sugar refinement processes whiten the sugar with animal bones, so vegans often avoid white sugar.
  • Another would attempt to whiten clouds over the oceans by wafting tiny salt particles up into them.
  • His health did not seem to weaken, nor did his hair whiten.
  • whiten has handled his financial affairs responsibly.
  • Bleached all-purpose flour is exposed to chlorine gas or benzoyl peroxide to whiten and brighten flour color.
  • The fibers are then buried in mud to whiten them, washed and combed.
  • Others may understand that it is often used to whiten teeth.
  • First, an activated peroxide bleach is used to whiten the wool fibers and remove the protective lipid barrier that surrounds them.
  • Use non-chlorine dry bleach or washing soda to whiten clothes.
British Dictionary definitions for whiten

whiten

/ˈwaɪtən/
verb
1.
to make or become white or whiter; bleach
Derived Forms
whitening, noun