protectant

American  

[pruh-tek-tuhnt] / prəˈtɛk tənt /

noun

1. a substance, as a chemical spray, that provides protection, as against insects, frost, rust, etc.; protective agent.

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protectant British  

/ prəˈtɛktənt /

noun

1. a chemical substance that affords protection, as against frost, rust, insects, etc

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Etymology

Origin of protectant

1660–70, for an earlier sense; protect + -ant

Example Sentences

The freezing process involves replacing the water in embryo cells with a protectant fluid and flash freezing with liquid nitrogen, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2024

After 30 years of 12-hour days in front of a screen, John needs progressive, blue-light protectant lenses to see.

From Washington Post • Apr. 8, 2019

We recommend this furniture protectant spray that doesn’t contain fluorocarbons or silicons, and can be used on everything from suede to microfiber.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2019

Each piece is then grinded to remove any sharp edges until it’s finally sanded by hand and glazed in metal protectant.

From National Geographic • May 17, 2018

As a seed protectant, juglone is unsuitable because of its inherent toxicity to the non-cutinzed root surfaces.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Thirty-Fourth Annual Report 1943 by Northern Nut Growers Association