Preservative: meaning, definitions and examples

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preservative

[prɪˈzɜːrvətɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

food industry

A preservative is a substance used to prevent food from spoiling, typically by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold, or other microorganisms. Preservatives help extend the shelf life of products and maintain their freshness.

Synonyms

additive, antioxidant, conservative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
preservative	Used in food and products to prevent them from spoiling or decaying. This bread contains preservatives to keep it fresh longer. The preservative in the jam helps it stay good for months.
antioxidant	Often mentioned in health and nutrition contexts, referring to a substance that inhibits oxidation and helps prevent damage to cells. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which are good for your health. This skincare product contains antioxidants to help protect your skin.
additive	Typically refers to a substance added to something in small quantities to improve or preserve it, often in food or industrial products. The paint includes additives to make it more durable. Check the label for any additives that might cause allergies.
conservative	Refers to a person or approach that is cautious about change and prefers traditional practices. It has political and social connotations. Her conservative views make her resistant to the idea of reform. He adopted a conservative approach to investing.

Examples of usage

Many processed foods contain preservatives to prolong their shelf life.
Sodium benzoate is a common preservative used in the food industry.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

cosmetics

In cosmetics, a preservative is a chemical ingredient added to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi in beauty products. Preservatives are essential to ensure the safety and stability of cosmetics over time.

Synonyms

additive, antioxidant, conservative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
preservative	Preservative is used mostly in the context of food and other perishable products to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. This bread contains no artificial preservatives The label mentions natural preservatives added to the juice
additive	Additive generally refers to any substance added to something in small quantities to improve or alter its properties, not just in food but also in products like fuel or paint. This paint has an additive to prevent rust Fuel additives can improve engine performance
antioxidant	Antioxidant is mainly used in the context of health and nutrition to describe substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals. Foods rich in antioxidants are important for a healthy diet Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant
conservative	Conservative is usually used in a social, political, or fiscal context to describe someone who favors traditional views and values or cautious approaches. He has a very conservative approach to investments The conservative party won the election

Examples of usage

Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in skincare products.
The absence of preservatives in cosmetics can lead to microbial contamination.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'praeservare', meaning to keep safe or protect.
It combines prefixes that suggest keeping something intact or preventing change.
First recorded use in English dates back to the 14th century.

Health

Some preservatives are natural, like salt and vinegar, while others are man-made.
They can help prevent foodborne illnesses by stopping the growth of harmful bacteria.
People with allergies or sensitivities may react to certain artificial preservatives.

Food Science

Preservatives work by slowing down oxidation and preventing decay.
Common examples include citric acid, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate.
They extend shelf life for products ranging from snacks to beverages.

Cultural Aspects

In many cultures, food preservation methods like drying and fermenting predate modern preservatives.
Legislation and public awareness about food safety have increased scrutiny on preservatives used in food.
Organic food products often use fewer preservatives, aligning with health-conscious consumer trends.

Pop Culture

Movies and TV often depict food-related disasters, emphasizing the importance of knowing what's in our food.
The debate around preservatives is often featured in health documentaries and reality shows focusing on nutrition.
Celebrity chefs and influencers frequently discuss natural versus artificial ingredients in their cooking.

Translations

Translations of the word "preservative" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conservante

🇮🇳 परिरक्षक

🇩🇪 Konservierungsmittel

🇮🇩 pengawet

🇺🇦 консервант

🇵🇱 konserwant

🇯🇵 保存料

🇫🇷 conservateur

🇪🇸 conservante

🇹🇷 koruyucu

🇰🇷 방부제

🇸🇦 مادة حافظة

🇨🇿 konzervant

🇸🇰 konzervant

🇨🇳 防腐剂

🇸🇮 konzervans

🇮🇸 rotvarnarefni

🇰🇿 консервант

🇬🇪 კონსერვანტი

🇦🇿 konservant

🇲🇽 conservante

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,029, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15026 rewrite
15027 thorium
15028 masterly
15029 preservative
15030 hypoxia
15031 tricky
15032 marginally
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