Preservative: meaning, definitions and examples

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preservative

 

[ prษชหˆzษœหrvษ™tษชv ]

Noun
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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

Translations of the word "preservative" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น conservante

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคฐเคฟเคฐเค•เฅเคทเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Konservierungsmittel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pengawet

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะฝัะตั€ะฒะฐะฝั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ konserwant

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไฟๅญ˜ๆ–™

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท conservateur

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ conservante

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท koruyucu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐฉ๋ถ€์ œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุงุฏุฉ ุญุงูุธุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ konzervant

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ konzervant

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้˜ฒ่…ๅ‰‚

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ konzervans

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ rotvarnarefni

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะพะฝัะตั€ะฒะฐะฝั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒœแƒกแƒ”แƒ แƒ•แƒแƒœแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ konservant

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ conservante

Etymology

The word 'preservative' originated from the Latin word 'praeservare', which means 'to keep safe'. The use of preservatives dates back to ancient times when salt, sugar, and vinegar were commonly used to preserve food. In the modern era, with advances in technology and food science, a wide range of preservatives are now available to extend the shelf life of various products.

See also: preservation, preservationism, preservationist, preserve, preserved, preserver, preserves, preserving, unpreserved.

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.