fixative

[ fik-suh-tiv ]
/ ˈfɪk sə tɪv /

adjective

serving to fix; making fixed or permanent.

noun Also fix·a·tif [fik-suh-tiv, -teef] /ˈfɪk sə tɪv, -ˌtif/.

a fixative substance, as a gummy liquid sprayed on a drawing to prevent blurring, or a solution for killing, hardening, and preserving material for microscopic study.
Also called fixer. Photography. a chemical substance, as sodium thiosulfate, used to promote fixation.
a substance that retards evaporation, as in the manufacture of perfume.

Origin of fixative

First recorded in 1635–45; fix + -ative

OTHER WORDS FROM fixative

un·fix·a·tive, adjective

Words nearby fixative

fix-up, fixate, fixation, fixation nystagmus, fixation point, fixative, fixator, fixator muscle, fixed, fixed action pattern, fixed asset

Example sentences from the Web for fixative

British Dictionary definitions for fixative

fixative
/ (ˈfɪksətɪv) /

adjective

serving or tending to fix

noun

a fluid usually consisting of a transparent resin, such as shellac, dissolved in alcohol and sprayed over drawings to prevent smudging
cytology a fluid, such as formaldehyde or ethanol, that fixes tissues and cells for microscopic study
a substance added to a liquid, such as a perfume, to make it less volatile

Medical definitions for fixative

fixative
[ fĭk′sə-tĭv ]

adj.

Serving to fix, bind, or make firm or stable.

n.

A substance used for the preservation of tissue or cell specimens.