I. -ˈspek-tiv adjective
Date: 1664
1.
a.
(1) : of, relating to, or given to retrospection
(2) : based on memory
a retrospective report
b. : being a retrospective
a retrospective exhibition
2. : affecting things past : retroactive
retrospective laws
3. : relating to or being a study (as of a disease) that starts with the present condition of a population of individuals and collects data about their past history to explain their present condition
• ret·ro·spec·tive·ly adverb
II. noun
Date: 1932
: a generally comprehensive exhibition, compilation, or performance of the work of an artist over a span of years ; broadly : review 7a
a retrospective of 20th century haute couture