fixative Definition
- 1a substance used to set or stabilize something, especially a perfume or dye
- 2a substance used to preserve biological specimens
Using fixative: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fixative" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The artist sprayed fixative on the charcoal drawing to prevent smudging.
Example
The biologist used a fixative to preserve the tissue sample for analysis.
Example
The perfume contains a fixative to make the scent last longer.
fixative Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for fixative
Phrases with fixative
Example
She used a hair fixative to keep her updo in place all night.
Example
After applying her makeup, she used a fixative spray to keep it from smudging.
Example
The lab technician applied mounting fixative to the slide before examining it under the microscope.
Origins of fixative
from Latin 'fixus', meaning 'fixed'
Summary: fixative in Brief
'Fixative' [fɪkˈseɪtɪv] is a noun that refers to a substance used to set or stabilize something, such as a perfume or dye, or to preserve biological specimens. Examples include using a fixative spray to set makeup, or a hair fixative to hold a hairstyle in place. The term also extends to scientific contexts, such as using a mounting fixative to prepare microscope slides.
