definitions

preservative

[ pri-zur-vuh-tiv ]
/ prɪˈzɜr və tɪv /
|
SEE MORE 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.

RELATED CONTENT

What’s On Tap? Beer Types ExplainedWhat are different types of beer (pilsner, IPA). What are the origins and what do they taste like? How do you know what to order?
READ MORE
What Does “Musty” Literally Smell Like?The common cholesterol drug Lipitor was recently subject to a recall due to reports from consumers about a “musty” odor associated with the bottles. We aren’t interested in the drug — this post concerns stink, stench, aroma. Smell may be the hardest sense to describe in words, which is why we are eager to take a whiff. The sense of smell is known as olfaction …
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

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

Nearby words

presently, presentment, presents, preservation, preservationist, preservative, preserve, preserving, preset, preset board, preshave

Origin of preservative

1350–1400; Middle English (adj. and noun) < Middle French preservatif (adj.) < Medieval Latin praeservātīvus. See preserve, -ative
Related formsnon·pre·serv·a·tive, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples 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

Medicine 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.