| 释义 |
pre·serv·a·tive
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 |