additive

[ ad-i-tiv ]

noun

1. something that is added, as one substance to another, to alter or improve the general quality or to counteract undesirable properties:

   an additive that thins paint.

2. Nutrition.
   1. Also called food additive. a substance added directly to food during processing, as for preservation, coloring, or stabilization.
   2. something that becomes part of food or affects it as a result of packaging or processing, as debris or radiation.

adjective

1. characterized or produced by addition; cumulative:

   an additive process.

2. Mathematics. (of a function) having the property that the function of the union or sum of two quantities is equal to the sum of the functional values of each quantity; linear.

additive

/ ˈædɪtɪv /

adjective

1. characterized or produced by addition; cumulative

noun

1. any substance added to something to improve it, prevent deterioration, etc
2. short for food additive

additive

/ ăd′ĭ-tĭv /

Noun

1. A substance added in small amounts to something else to improve, strengthen, or otherwise alter it. Additives are used for a variety of reasons. They are added to food, for example, to enhance taste or color or to prevent spoilage. They are added to gasoline to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, and to plastics to enhance molding capability.

Adjective

1. Relating to the production of color by the mixing of light rays of varying wavelengths.
2. ◆ The additive primaries red, green, and blue are those colors whose wavelengths can be mixed in different proportions to produce all other spectral colors.
3. Compare subtractiveSee Note at color
4. Mathematics.
   Marked by, produced by, or involving addition.

Other Words From

• ad·di·tive·ly adverb
• in·ter·ad·di·tive adjective
• sub·ad·di·tive adjective
• sub·ad·di·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of additive¹

From the Late Latin word additīvus, dating back to 1690–1700. See additament, -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of additive¹

C17: from Late Latin additīvus, from addere to add

Example Sentences

The catalysts still require expensive chemical additives to work.

From Science Magazine

Flame retardants are getting into our most commonly used items because these black-colored products are being made from recycled electronic waste, such as discarded television sets and computers, that frequently contain the additives.

From Los Angeles Times

On other matters he has more support, for example in scrutinising the processing of food and the use of additives.

From BBC

“Yes, there are some things that he supports that we would agree with, but they feel more like the stopped clock that’s right twice a day,” Lurie said, citing food additives as one example.

From Los Angeles Times

But he has also adopted positions with popular support, scrutinising the use of food additives and urging that the power of big pharma be curbed.

From BBC

Related Words

• preservative
• supplement