adjective

retentive

rih-TEN-tiv/rɪˈtentɪv/

Tending to hold what is taken in.

The retentive sponge holds most of its water above the dish.

A thick, water-laden sponge retains moisture while resting on an open wire rack, with only a few drops falling into a nearly empty dish below.

Etymology

reLatinback

+tentLatinto hold

+iveLatinhaving the capacity to

Holding back becomes a capacity to keep something from being lost. The adjective first described keeping food or nourishment, and its memory sense treats the mind as holding on to what it has learned.

In context

TopicsDive55:38

materials retentive of infection for in the present case when infection has seized any part of a country much greater care ought to be taken that no seeds of the contagion be conveyed about

Short Discourse Concerning Pestilential Contagion, and the Methods to Be Used to Prevent It 🏆 By R

More examples

Her retentive memory helps her recall names years later.
Retentive soil needs less frequent watering during dry weather.
This fabric is highly retentive of moisture and dries slowly.

Forms

retentive · more retentive · most retentive

retain verb — To keep or continue to hold.

retention noun — The act or ability of keeping something.

Similar words

absorbent: Emphasizes taking in liquid rather than keeping it inside.
tenacious: Emphasizes holding firmly; can also describe a strong memory.