Dictionary
anal–retentive
adjective anal–re·ten·tive \ˈā-nəl-ri-ˈten-tiv\
: extremely or overly neat, careful, or precise
Full Definition of ANAL-RETENTIVE
: exhibiting or typifying personality traits (as frugality and obstinacy) held to be psychological consequences of toilet training
— anal–retentive noun
— anal–re·ten·tive·ness noun
See anal–retentive defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of ANAL-RETENTIVE
1953
Medical Dictionary
anal–retentive
adjective anal–re·ten·tive \ˈān-əl-ri-ˈten-tiv\
Medical Definition of ANAL–RETENTIVE
: characterized by personality traits (as frugality and obstinacy) held to be psychological sequelae of toilet training—compare anal 2b
—anal retentiveness noun
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