fix·a·tive (f k s -tv)n. Something that fixes, protects, or preserves, especially: a. A liquid preservative applied to artwork, such as watercolor paintings or charcoal drawings. b. A solution used to preserve and harden fresh tissue for microscopic examination. c. A liquid mixed with perfume to prevent rapid evaporation. fix a·tive adj. |
fixative [ˈfɪksətɪv]
adj
serving or tending to fix
n
1. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) a fluid usually consisting of a transparent resin, such as shellac, dissolved in alcohol and sprayed over drawings to prevent smudging
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) Cytology a fluid, such as formaldehyde or ethanol, that fixes tissues and cells for microscopic study
3. (Chemistry) a substance added to a liquid, such as a perfume, to make it less volatile
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | fixative - a compound (such as ethanol or formaldehyde) that fixes tissues and cells for microscopic study fixing agent, fixer - a chemical compound that sets or fixes something (as a dye or a photographic image) |
| 2. | fixative - a varnish dissolved in alcohol and sprayed over pictures to prevent smudging varnish - a coating that provides a hard, lustrous, transparent finish to a surface |
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