Additive

/ˈædɪtɪv/

adjectiveIntermediate📊CommonDescriptive
2 meanings2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Added to something else, usually to improve or modify it.

/ˈædɪtɪv/

adjectiveneutralIntermediate
Descriptive

Something that is added to enhance or improve something else.

The cake recipe called for several additives.

💡 Simply: Something extra that's put in.

More Examples

2

This additive makes the paint more durable.

How It's Used

Food Science

"Many processed foods contain artificial additives."

Chemistry

"The additive improved the material's flexibility."

2

A substance added to another substance, often to improve its properties.

/ˈædɪtɪv/

nounneutralIntermediate
Substance

A substance added to something else.

The fuel additive increased the engine's efficiency.

💡 Simply: Something added to something else.

More Examples

2

Several food additives are suspected of causing health problems.

How It's Used

Food Industry

"Food additives are regulated to ensure safety."

Manufacturing

"The manufacturing process requires several chemical additives."

Tip:Think 'added' - it's something that's been added.

Synonyms & Antonyms

From Latin *additivus, from addere "to add".

The word's usage has increased significantly with the rise of processed foods and industrial manufacturing.

Memory tip

Think 'add' - it's something that's added.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to add"

food additivechemical additivefuel additive

Common misspellings

addativeaditive

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written