First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
retentive
adjective re·ten·tive \-ˈten-tiv\
: having the ability to remember things easily or for a long time
Full Definition of RETENTIVE
: having the power, property, or capacity of retaining <soils retentive of moisture>; especially : retaining knowledge easily <a retentive memory>
— re·ten·tive·ly adverb
— re·ten·tive·ness noun
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Origin of RETENTIVE
Middle English retentif, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin retentivus, from Latin retentus, past participle of retinēre
Rhymes with RETENTIVE
Medical Dictionary
retentive
adjective re·ten·tive \ri-ˈten-tiv\
Medical Definition of RETENTIVE
: tending to retain: as a : retaining knowledge : having a good memory <a retentive mind> b : of, relating to, or being a dental retainer
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