additive

noun

: a substance added to another in relatively small amounts to effect a desired change in properties

food additives

Examples of additive in a Sentence

a gasoline additive to reduce pollution

Recent Examples on the Web

These chemical additives can build up residue in the fibers over time. —Cori Sears, The Spruce, 8 June 2026

Acosta Group’s research shows label reading is now a routine part of grocery decisions, with growing interest in fewer additives, fewer preservatives and recognizable ingredients. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026

Her new study, published Wednesday in the AJPH, describes how the perfect combinations of sugars, fats and cosmetic additives can create an irresistible bite. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 3 June 2026

The survey also found majority support in all parties for government interventions including testing additives for safety before they can be included in food products, banning artificial dyes, requiring warning labels, and ordering companies to reduce the amount of sugar and salt in their foods. —Sarah Todd, STAT, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

derivative of additive entry 1

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing additive

• additive identity
• additive inverse
• additive manufacturing

Kids Definition

additive

1 of 2 adjective

ad·​di·​tive ˈad-ət-iv 

: relating to or produced by addition

additively adverb

additive

2 of 2 noun

: a substance added to another in small amounts to give or improve desirable qualities or decrease unwanted qualities

a gasoline additive

additives which color, flavor, or preserve food

Medical Definition

additive

1 of 2 adjective

ad·​di·​tive ˈad-ət-iv 

: having or relating to a value or effect that is the sum of individual values or effects: as

a

: relating to the sum of the pharmacological responses produced by the concurrent administration of two or more drugs capable of producing the same kind of effect

b

: having a genetic effect that is the sum of the individual effects

additively adverb

additivity

ˌad-ə-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

plural additivities

additive

2 of 2 noun

: a substance added to another in relatively small amounts to effect a desired change in properties

especially : an agent added to a foodstuff to improve color, flavor, texture, or keeping qualities