fixative in English
- fixative⇄adj. that prevents fading or change.
- fixative⇄fixative, noun, adjective.
- fixative⇄noun 1. a substance used to prevent something from fading or otherwise changing.
2. a liquid sprayed on pastels, charcoal drawings, collages, glossy ink prints, and the like, to fix the loose particles or keep ink from smearing.
3. hypo (1)
fixative in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
fixative in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
fixative in Urdu اُردُو
Fixative
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈfɪksətɪv/
Definitions
- A substance used to preserve or stabilize something, particularly in art or biology.
- In art, a spray or other substance applied to drawings or paintings to prevent smudging or fading.
- In biology, a chemical used to preserve biological specimens for examination.
Usage Examples
- "The artist used a fixative to prevent the charcoal from smudging."
- "The biologist applied a fixative to the specimen to preserve it for later study."
- "The fixative helped maintain the integrity of the artwork over time."
Etymology
From the Latin word "fixare," meaning "to fix" or "fasten," combined with the suffix "-ive," which indicates a tendency or quality. The term "fixative" has been used since the 19th century in both art and scientific contexts.
Synonyms
- Preservative
- Sealant
- Protectant
- Stabilizer
Antonyms
- Corrosive
- Degradant
- Destructive
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Fixative | /ˈfɪksətɪv/ |
| Spanish | Fijador | /fiˈxaðoɾ/ |
| French | Fixatif | /fiksatif/ |
| German | Fixativ | /fɪksaˈtɪf/ |
| Italian | Fissativo | /fissaˈtivo/ |
| Portuguese | Fixativo | /fiksatʃiˈvu/ |
| Russian | Фиксатор | /fʲɪkˈsator/ |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 定影剂 | /dìng yǐng jì/ |
| Japanese | 定着剤 | /teichaku zai/ |
| Korean | 고정제 | /gojeongje/ |
| Arabic | مادة تثبيت | /mādat tathbīt/ |
| Hindi | स्थिरता | /sthīratā/ |
| Bengali | স্থিরকরণ | /sthīrikaraṇ/ |
| Telugu | స్థిరపరచడం | /sthiraparaːcaḍaṁ/ |
| Marathi | ठरविणे | /ṭhāraviṇe/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The pronunciation of "fixative" may vary slightly in different regions, with some speakers emphasizing the first syllable more heavily or using a shorter "i" sound in the second syllable. In scientific or artistic contexts, the pronunciation tends to be more standardized.
Historical Usage
The word "fixative" first appeared in the 19th century, primarily in the context of preserving specimens in scientific fields. It later became widely used in art, particularly with the advent of materials like charcoal and pastels that required protection from smudging.
Cultural Nuances
In the art world, a fixative is essential for protecting delicate drawings and paintings. The term has also gained cultural significance, as it symbolizes preservation and permanence. In some cultures, the use of a fixative is considered a final step in the creation of a masterpiece, ensuring its longevity.
More Information
A fixative plays an important role in both art and science. In the arts, it helps to stabilize materials such as pencil, charcoal, and pastel, preventing smudging and preserving the piece. In the sciences, fixatives are used to preserve biological specimens for examination. Different types of fixatives are used depending on the medium, such as spray fixatives for art or formaldehyde-based fixatives for biology.