PRESERVATIVE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does preservative mean? 

• PRESERVATIVE (noun)
  The noun PRESERVATIVE has 1 sense:

1. a chemical compound that is added to protect against decay or decomposition

  Familiarity information: PRESERVATIVE used as a noun is very rare.

• PRESERVATIVE (adjective)
  The adjective PRESERVATIVE has 1 sense:

1. tending or having the power to preserve

  Familiarity information: PRESERVATIVE used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PRESERVATIVE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A chemical compound that is added to protect against decay or decomposition

Classified under:

Nouns denoting substances

Hypernyms ("preservative" is a kind of...):

chemical compound; compound ((chemistry) a substance formed by chemical union of two or more elements or ingredients in definite proportion by weight)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "preservative"):

spice (aromatic substances of vegetable origin used as a preservative)

Derivation:

preservative (tending or having the power to preserve)

• PRESERVATIVE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Tending or having the power to preserve

Context example:

timbers should be treated with a preservative substance

Similar:

protective (intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind)

Derivation:

preservative (a chemical compound that is added to protect against decay or decomposition)

preserve (prevent (food) from rotting)

preserve (keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction)

 Context examples 

A sample is collected using a spatula or brush and then the collected cells are transferred into a preservative liquid.

(Liquid-Based Cytology, NCI Thesaurus)

This substance may be formed during cooking of foods that contain sodium nitrite as a preservative, including meat, fish and cheese.

(N-Nitrosopyrrolidine, NCI Thesaurus)

It maintains stability of active ingredients and is used as a preservative.

(Anhydrous Citric Acid, NCI Thesaurus)

Tissue that is not frozen or embedded in preservatives

(Fresh Tissue, NCI Thesaurus)

Again, carbolic or rectified spirits would be the preservatives which would suggest themselves to the medical mind, certainly not rough salt.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

These vaccines may differ with regard to use of protein carriers, polysaccharides, diluents, and preservatives.

(Haemophilus Influenzae B Vaccine, NCI Thesaurus)

Fragrances and preservatives are the most common causes of skin problems.

(Cosmetics, Food and Drug Administration)

A solution or suspension distillate composed of active and/or inert ingredient(s) extracted from plant or animal matter and alcohol as the solvent and/or preservative.

(Fluid Extract Dosage Form, NCI Thesaurus)

Component of deicing mixtures and preservatives.

(Methyl alcohol, NCI Thesaurus)

Cured meats can contain nitrosamines because meats contain amines and can react during cooking with sodium nitrite that is added as a preservative.

(Carcinogenic Nitrosamine, NCI Thesaurus)