fixative

noun fix·a·tive \ ˈfik-sə-tiv \

Definition of fixative

: something that fixes or sets: such as

a : a substance added to a perfume especially to prevent too rapid evaporation

b : a substance used to fix living tissue

c : a varnish used especially for the protection of drawings (as in pastel or charcoal)

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fixative

adjective

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Recent Examples of fixative from the Web

Because analyzing the cells doesn't require the addition of fixatives or fluorescent dyes, ISL could be more consistent, less harmful to cultures, and enable longer-term monitoring of cellular health than traditional methods.

— robbie gonzalez, WIRED, "AI Learns a New Trick: Measuring Brain Cells," 12 Apr. 2018
Previous techniques often required the use of dyes or fixatives to help see these molecules.

— judith vonberg, CNN, "Scientists awarded Nobel prize in chemistry for work to visualize biomolecules," 4 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fixative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of fixative

from fixative, adjective, "serving to fix," borrowed from New Latin fīxātīvus, from Medieval Latin fīxātus, past participle of fīxāre "to reduce a volatile substance (in alchemy)" (in New Latin, "to fix") + Latin -īvus -ive — more at fixation

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1859

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year