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

“Our Woodstock Organic Banana Water stands out for its great taste and natural hydration,” Bruemmer says, “delivering 765mg of electrolytes — similar to many sports drinks — without any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.”

From Los Angeles Times

Now, about 70% of the U.S. food supply is ultra-processed fare, most of which has ample added ingredients like sugar, salt, fat and artificial colors or preservatives.

From 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.

From BBC

Sky Candle’s hand-poured products are made without additives or preservatives, using soybeans grown in the United States.

From MarketWatch

Besides their saturated fat content, they often contain a lot of sodium, which can raise blood pressure, and certain preservatives that are linked to colon cancer.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• vinegar