I. prēˈzərvəd.]iv, prə̇ˈ-, -zə̄v-, -zəiv-, -vət] also ]əv\ adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin praeservativus, from praeservatus (past participle of praeservare to preserve) + Latin -ivus -ive
: having the power of preserving : tending to preserve
bound together for preservative purposes — Springfield (Massachusetts) Union
need for preservative action — A.N.Whitehead
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from preservative, adjective
: something that preserves or has the power of preserving: as
a. archaic : a medicine designed to preserve one's health by preventing or providing a protection from disease : a safeguard against poison or infection
hope his restoratives and his preservatives will … be effectual — Samuel Johnson
b. : a preservative quality, principle, or factor
accounts federalism the preservative of the American system — G.W.Johnson
their pleasantest preservative from want — Jane Austen
public life seems to be a good preservative … for congressmen — Elmer Davis
c. : a substance added to chemicals, natural products, fabrics, or food products to preserve them against decay, discoloration, or spoilage under conditions of storage or nonchemical use
salt, sugar, and spice are common food preservatives
d. : a substance impregnated into or covering wood to prevent attack by insects and other organisms
e. : a chemical (as sodium sulfite) for retarding oxidation of photographic solutions