Definition of retentive
: having the power, property, or capacity of retaining soils retentive of moisture; especially : retaining knowledge easily a retentive memory
retentively
adverbretentiveness
nounIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Recent Examples of retentive from the Web
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O’Brien’s librarian is a heartbroken, anal-retentive loner who has a catharsis when someone returns a book that’s 123 years overdue.
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If humans could be similarly modified, our corresponding brains might become extraordinarily retentive.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'retentive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of retentive
Middle English retentif, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin retentivus, from Latin retentus, past participle of retinēre
RETENTIVE Defined for English Language Learners
retentive
playDefinition of retentive for English Language Learners
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: having the ability to remember things easily or for a long time
Medical Dictionary
retentive
playMedical Definition of retentive
: tending to retain: asa: retaining knowledge : having a good memory a retentive mindb: of, relating to, or being a dental retainer
Learn More about retentive
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See words that rhyme with retentive Spanish Central: Translation of retentive Nglish: Translation of retentive for Spanish speakers
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