retardancyn.
/rᵻˈtɑːd(ə)nsi/, U.S. /rəˈtɑrd(ə)nsi/, /riˈtɑrd(ə)nsi/ The capability to retard; retardance. Chiefly as the second element in objective compounds, as fire retardancy, flame retardancy.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > types or manners of hindrance > [noun] > hindering or retarding > capacity to retard fire, etc.
retardance1891
retardency1939
retardancy1947
1947 R. W. Little Flameproofing Textile Fabrics v. 172 The dehydration catalysis mechanism of flame retardancy.
1973 W. C. Kuryla & A. J. Papa Flame Retardancy of Polymeric Materials iii. 253 These compounds impart dimensional stability, abrasion resistance, water resistance, and flame retardancy to the backcoated fabric.
1994 M. F. Werner in H. R. Treschel Moisture Control in Buildings xxi. 400/2 The controlled environment of the factory has made possible the application of vapor-retardant coatings... Some of these applications can significantly improve the retardancy because the application seals all cracks and joints.
2001 N.Y. Times 20 Jan. b1/3 They have urged the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission to adopt the first national, mandatory fire retardancy standards for the furniture.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2010; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1947