preservative

American  

[pri-zur-vuh-tiv] / prɪˈzɜr və tɪv /

noun

1. something that preserves or tends to preserve.

2. a chemical substance used to preserve foods or other organic materials from decomposition or fermentation.

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adjective

1. tending to preserve.

preservative British  

/ prɪˈzɜːvətɪv /

noun

1. something that preserves or tends to preserve, esp a chemical added to foods to inhibit decomposition

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adjective

1. tending or intended to preserve

Other Word Forms

• nonpreservative adjective

Etymology

Origin of preservative

1350–1400; Middle English (adj. and noun) < Middle French preservatif (adj.) < Medieval Latin praeservātīvus. See preserve, -ative

Example Sentences

Possible steps include stricter limits on preservative use, clearer labeling, mandatory disclosure of additive content, and international monitoring efforts similar to those used for trans fatty acids and sodium.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

Overall preservative consumption was linked to a 47% higher risk.

From Science Daily • Jan. 9, 2026

She says there are some "legitimate costs" that come with processing a body - like spending on transport, and preservative chemicals.

From BBC • Aug. 30, 2025

In the study, 40 babies were injected with vaccines containing thimerosal, while a control group of 21 babies got shots that did not contain the preservative.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2025

A white snake in a jar of preservative stared blindly down at them.

From "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman

Related Words

• vinegar