additive

[ad-i-tiv]

noun

1. something that is added, as one substance to another, to alter or improve the general quality or to counteract undesirable properties.

   an additive that thins paint.

2. Nutrition.

   1. Also called food additive. a substance added directly to food during processing, as for preservation, coloring, or stabilization.

   2. something that becomes part of food or affects it as a result of packaging or processing, as debris or radiation.

adjective

1. characterized or produced by addition; cumulative.

   an additive process.

2. Mathematics.,  (of a function) having the property that the function of the union or sum of two quantities is equal to the sum of the functional values of each quantity; linear.

additive

/ ˈædɪtɪv /

adjective

1. characterized or produced by addition; cumulative

noun

1. any substance added to something to improve it, prevent deterioration, etc

2. short for food additive

additive

1. A substance added in small amounts to something else to improve, strengthen, or otherwise alter it. Additives are used for a variety of reasons. They are added to food, for example, to enhance taste or color or to prevent spoilage. They are added to gasoline to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, and to plastics to enhance molding capability.

1. Relating to the production of color by the mixing of light rays of varying wavelengths.

2. ◆ The additive primaries red, green, and blue are those colors whose wavelengths can be mixed in different proportions to produce all other spectral colors.

3. Compare subtractive See Note at color

4. Mathematics,  Marked by, produced by, or involving addition.

Other Word Forms

• additively adverb
• interadditive adjective
• subadditive adjective
• subadditively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of additive¹

From the Late Latin word additīvus, dating back to 1690–1700. See additament, -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of additive¹

C17: from Late Latin additīvus, from addere to _add

Example Sentences

Those promises haven't always been fulfilled – but Mr Logtenberg is convinced that the maritime sector is one where 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, can play a transformational role.

Read more on BBC

These adjuvants are additives that boost the patient’s immune response.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As a result, the bigger story has been additive.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Both are currently unregulated and not approved for use in the United States or the state of California as a drug product, dietary supplement or an approved food additive, according to the U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Ultra-processed foods are defined as containing more than five ingredients which you would not find at home in your kitchen cupboard, such as emulsifiers, preservatives, additives, dyes and sweeteners.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• preservative 
• supplement