PRESERVATIVE

preservative

(adjective) tending or having the power to preserve; “timbers should be treated with a preservative substance”

preservative

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

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

preservative (plural preservatives)

(countable) Any agent, natural or artificial that acts to preserve, especially when added to food.

Adjective

preservative

Tending to preserve.

Source: Wiktionary

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Pre*serv"a*tive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. préservatif.]

Definition: Having the power or quality of preserving; tending to preserve, or to keep from injury, decay, etc.

Pre*serv"a*tive, n.

Definition: That which preserves, or has the power of preserving; a presevative agent. To wear tablets as preservatives against the plague. Bacon.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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