fixative

[ fik-suh-tiv ]

adjective

1. serving to fix; making fixed fix or permanent.

noun

1. a fixative substance, as a gummy liquid sprayed on a drawing to prevent blurring, or a solution for killing, hardening, and preserving material for microscopic study.
2. Also called fixer. Photography. a chemical substance, as sodium thiosulfate, used to promote fixation.
3. a substance that retards evaporation, as in the manufacture of perfume.

fixative

/ ˈfɪksətɪv /

adjective

1. serving or tending to fix

noun

1. a fluid usually consisting of a transparent resin, such as shellac, dissolved in alcohol and sprayed over drawings to prevent smudging
2. cytology a fluid, such as formaldehyde or ethanol, that fixes tissues and cells for microscopic study
3. a substance added to a liquid, such as a perfume, to make it less volatile

Other Words From

• un·fixa·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fixative¹

First recorded in 1635–45; fix + -ative

Example Sentences

I sent a shower of spray from the fixative over the canvas, and said: “Well, go on.”

From The Daily Beast

Of these, Lang's corrosive sublimate solution is decidedly the best all-round "fixative."

From Project Gutenberg

Heat your fixative as you would sealing wax, over a candle, also heat the arrow and the metal head.

From Project Gutenberg

Bandoline, a fixative for keeping hair in curl is commonly prepared from carrageen.

From Project Gutenberg

Scotty wiped both with fixative and put them on the floor to dry.

From Project Gutenberg

Baldwin brought a bottle of fixative and sprayed the drawing through a blowpipe.

From Project Gutenberg