preservative

 
Pronunciation: /prɪˈzəːvətɪv/

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)