I. rə̇ˈtentiv, rēˈ-, -tēv also -təv adjective
Etymology: Middle English retentif, retentive, from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French retentif, from Medieval Latin retentivus, from Latin retentus (past participle) + -ivus -ive
: tending to retain : having the power, property, or capacity of retaining
soils retentive of moisture
as
a. : retaining knowledge : having a good memory : tenacious
a retentive memory
a retentive mind
a retentive person
b. : parsimonious
c. : holding in place or custody : preventive of escape : restraining
d. : restrained , reticent
• re·ten·tive·ly -tə̇vlē, -li adverb
• re·ten·tive·ness -tivnə̇s, -tēv- also -təv- noun -es
II. noun
( -s )
: something that retains or confines : restraint