fixative
noun
fix·a·tive
ˈfik-sə-tiv 
: 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)
fixative
adjective
Examples of fixative in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Indigo dye is also difficult to set completely; most common fixatives don’t work well on indigo dyes.
—
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2024
Most of today’s dyes and fixatives are chemically synthesized from petroleum, then dumped into waterways.
—John Cumbers, Forbes, 6 May 2023
Musk was — and is — so popular for fragrance because it can be used either on its own or as an incomparable fixative.
—Mallory Locklear, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2014
Going back to the religious boom of the 1950s, American political leaders have consistently reached for religion as a sort of all-purpose social fixative: a bedrock, shared faith in, well, the idea of faith.
—Matthew Sitman, The New Republic, 15 Apr. 2021
The variety is prized for its delicate flavors and also serves as a fixative, helping the gin to retain its citrus crispness.
—Jake Emen, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2020
Wash the socks on cold in the washing machine with a fabric fixative.
—Elizabeth Paton, New York Times, 12 May 2020
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, 12 Apr. 2018
Previous techniques often required the use of dyes or fixatives to help see these molecules.
—Judith Vonberg, CNN, 4 Oct. 2017
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Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2024
Most of today’s dyes and fixatives are chemically synthesized from petroleum, then dumped into waterways.
—John Cumbers, Forbes, 6 May 2023
Musk was — and is — so popular for fragrance because it can be used either on its own or as an incomparable fixative.
—Mallory Locklear, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2014
Going back to the religious boom of the 1950s, American political leaders have consistently reached for religion as a sort of all-purpose social fixative: a bedrock, shared faith in, well, the idea of faith.
—Matthew Sitman, The New Republic, 15 Apr. 2021
The variety is prized for its delicate flavors and also serves as a fixative, helping the gin to retain its citrus crispness.
—Jake Emen, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2020
Wash the socks on cold in the washing machine with a fabric fixative.
—Elizabeth Paton, New York Times, 12 May 2020
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, 12 Apr. 2018
Previous techniques often required the use of dyes or fixatives to help see these molecules.
—Judith Vonberg, CNN, 4 Oct. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Fixative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixative. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fixative
noun
fix·a·tive
ˈfik-sət-iv
: something that fixes or sets
Medical Definition
fixative
noun
fix·a·tive
ˈfik-sət-iv
: a substance used to fix living tissue
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