retentive
1
5.9
Able to hold water or moisture well, like soil and sponges
- adjective
- /rɪˈtɛntɪv/
- Specialized
:
retentivo
- By using retentive materials in your garden, you can ensure that plants receive the moisture they need to thrive.
- moisture-retentive
- retentive soil
- water-retentive
Examples
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Say "Okay" when someone asks me to hold onto their anal retentive dog.
Blog text (24) -
The retentive qualities of this soil make it ideal for growing vegetables in dry climates.
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He prefers using retentive potting mixes that help keep the plants hydrated during hot summer months.
Antonyms
Compounds
How Retentive
Surface Forms
retentive positive
Morphology
retentive = retain (transparent) = retent + ive
Derived from 'retain' (to hold) plus '-ive'; the sense 'tending to hold (e.g., moisture)' follows directly from that base meaning.
Etymology
The word retentive comes from the Latin parts re- meaning 'back' and tenere meaning 'to hold', the same root as retain. So a retentive soil or sponge 'holds' water or moisture instead of letting it go.