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preservative

Pronunciation: /prɪˈzəːvətɪv/
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Definition of preservative

noun

  • a substance used to preserve foodstuffs, wood, or other materials against decay: salt has been used for centuries as a preservative the jams contain no artificial colours or preservatives

adjective

  • acting to preserve something:the preservative effects of freezing

Origin:

late Middle English: via Old French from medieval Latin praeservativus, from late Latin praeservat- 'kept', from the verb praeservare (see preserve)

preservative in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of preservative in the US English dictionary

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