retention

noun re·ten·tion \ri-ˈten(t)-shən\

: the act of keeping someone or something

: the act of keeping extra liquid, heat, etc., inside the body

: the ability to keep something

Full Definition of RETENTION

a : the act of retaining : the state of being retained

b : abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity

a : power of retaining : retentiveness

b : an ability to retain things in mind; specifically : a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible

: something retained

See retention defined for English-language learners

See retention defined for kids

Origin of RETENTION

Middle English retencioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin retention-, retentio, from retinēre to retain — more at retain

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with RETENTION

dimension, high-tension, Vincentian

RETENTION Defined for Kids

retention

noun re·ten·tion \ri-ˈten-shən\

Definition of RETENTION for Kids

: the act of continuing to possess, control, or hold <moisture retention>

: the power or ability to keep or hold something <memory retention>

Medical Dictionary

retention

noun re·ten·tion \ri-ˈten-chən\

Medical Definition of RETENTION

: the act of retaining: as a : abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity <retention of urine> <retention of bile> b : the holding in place of a tooth or dental replacement by means of a retainer

: a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible