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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Recent Examples on 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.