Main Entry: re·ten·tive

Pronunciation: \-ˈten-tiv\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English retentif, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin retentivus, from Latin retentus, past participle of retinēre

Date: 14th century

: having the power, property, or capacity of retaining <soils retentive of moisture>; especially : retaining knowledge easily <a retentive memory>

— re·ten·tive·ly adverb

— re·ten·tive·ness noun