Fixative: meaning, definitions and examples

🔒

Add to dictionary

fixative

[ ˈfɪksətɪv ]

^{Context #1}

used in art or cosmetics

A substance used to set or stabilize something, such as a spray used to preserve drawings or a substance used in cosmetics to make makeup last longer.

Synonyms

preservative, sealant, spray

Examples of usage

She sprayed a fixative over her charcoal drawing to prevent smudging.
The fixative in the hairspray helps keep your hairstyle in place all day.

^{Context #2}

used in psychology

A person or thing that makes a lasting impression on someone.

Synonyms

impact, impression, influence

Examples of usage

The traumatic experience left a fixative in her memory.
The teacher was a fixative in his development as a student.

Translations

Translations of the word "fixative" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fixador

🇮🇳 फिक्सेटिव

🇩🇪 Fixativ

🇮🇩 pengikat

🇺🇦 фіксатив

🇵🇱 utrwalacz

🇯🇵 定着剤 (ていちゃくざい)

🇫🇷 fixatif

🇪🇸 fijador

🇹🇷 sabitleyici

🇰🇷 고정제 (gojeongje)

🇸🇦 مُثَبِّت

🇨🇿 fixativ

🇸🇰 fixatív

🇨🇳 固定剂 (gùdìng jì)

🇸🇮 fiksativ

🇮🇸 festiefni

🇰🇿 бекіткіш

🇬🇪 ფიქსატივი

🇦🇿 bərkidici

🇲🇽 fijador

Word origin

The word 'fixative' originated in the mid-19th century, derived from the Latin word 'fixus' meaning 'fixed' or 'set'. Originally used in the context of art to refer to a substance that sets or stabilizes drawings, the term later expanded to include a broader sense of something that makes a lasting impression or impact. Today, 'fixative' is commonly used in both artistic and psychological contexts to describe substances or entities that have a stabilizing or enduring effect.