preservative

[ pri-zur-vuh-tiv ]
/ prɪˈzɜr və tɪv /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR preservative ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

something that preserves or tends to preserve.
a chemical substance used to preserve foods or other organic materials from decomposition or fermentation.

adjective

tending to preserve.

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Origin of preservative

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

OTHER WORDS FROM preservative

non·pre·serv·a·tive, adjective

Words nearby preservative

presentive, presently, presentment, presents, preservationist, preservative, preserve, preset, preset board, preshave, preshrink
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to preservative

vinegar, conservatory, defensive, conservative, chemical, salt, alcohol, formaldehyde, saltpeter, precautionary, protective

Example sentences from the Web for preservative

British Dictionary definitions for preservative

preservative
/ (prɪˈzɜːvətɪv) /

noun

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

adjective

tending or intended to preserve
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for preservative

preservative
[ prĭ-zûr′və-tĭv ]

n.

A substance added to food products or to organic solutions to prevent decomposition due to chemical change or bacterial action.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.