anal–retentive

adjective anal–re·ten·tive \ˈā-n^əl-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

1953

Medical Dictionary

adjective anal–re·ten·tive \ˈān-^əl-ri-ˈten-tiv\

: 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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