Guest

preservative JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/prɛzərˈveɪtɪv/ · preser·va·tive
noun
  1. Any agent, natural or artificial that acts to preserve, especially when added to food. The chef added a preservative to the jam to extend its shelf life.
  2. A substance that prevents decay or spoilage. The museum used preservatives to prevent the artifacts from deteriorating.
adjective
  1. Tending to preserve. The curators took preservative actions to maintain the ancient collection.
Did you know? The use of preservatives in food has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that they can have negative health effects, while others see them as a necessary measure to extend shelf life and prevent foodborne illnesses.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 16, 2026