Main Entry: re·ten·tion

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈten(t)-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English retencioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin retention-, retentio, from retinēre to retain — more at retain

Date: 14th century

1 a : the act of retaining : the state of being retained b : abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity
2 a : power of retaining : retentiveness b : an ability to retain things in mind; specifically : a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible
3 : something retained