additive

¹ad·di·tive

adjective \ˈa-də-tiv\

Definition of ADDITIVE

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by addition <an additive process>

2

: produced by addition

3

: characterized by, being, or producing effects (as drug responses or gene products) that when the causative factors act together are the sum of their individual effects

— ad·di·tive·ly adverb

— ad·di·tiv·i·ty \ˌa-də-ˈti-və-tē\ noun

Examples of ADDITIVE

1. <certain drugs have additive effects when taken in conjunction with each other that one doesn't see when any one is used alone>

First Known Use of ADDITIVE

1699

Related to ADDITIVE

Synonyms

accretive, accumulative, cumulative, conglomerative, incremental

Related Words

gradual, step-by-step, stepwise; increscent, progressive; accruable, accrued, aggregated, amassed, built-up, compiled, conglomerated

Near Antonyms

decremental, decrescent, degressive, regressive

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

²additive

noun

Definition of ADDITIVE

: a substance added to another in relatively small amounts to effect a desired change in properties <food additives>

Examples of ADDITIVE

1. a gasoline additive to reduce pollution

First Known Use of ADDITIVE

1945

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

additive

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In foods, any of various chemical substances added to produce desirable effects. Additives include such substances as artificial or natural colourings and flavourings; stabilizers, emulsifiers, and thickeners; preservatives and humectants (moisture-retainers); and supplementary nutrients. Though many additives are harmless or even beneficial, others reduce nutritional value or conceal inferior raw materials or processing.