Definition

1. Noun:
   • A substance used to preserve, stabilize, or set something: A "fixative" is a chemical compound applied to prevent smudging, fading, or disintegration, thereby making something permanent or stable.
   • A varnish for artwork: Specifically, a "fixative" is a liquid, often dissolved in alcohol, that is sprayed over drawings, pastels, or charcoal sketches to prevent them from smudging.
   • A compound for biological specimens: In microscopy, a "fixative" is a chemical solution (like formaldehyde or ethanol) used to preserve and harden tissues or cells for detailed study under a microscope.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The artist sprayed a clear fixative over her charcoal drawing to protect it.
  • Formaldehyde is a common laboratory fixative used to prepare tissue samples.
  • Without a fixative, the pastel pigments would easily rub off the paper.

Advanced Usage

• "to apply a fixative": to use a fixative substance.
  • It is crucial to apply the fixative in a well-ventilated area.
• "acting as a fixative": serving the function of making something stable or permanent.
  • The resin in the perfume acts as a fixative, making the scent last longer.

Variants and Related Words

• Fix (verb): To make stable, firm, or permanent. (e.g., )
• Fixation (noun): The process or result of being fixed or made stable. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Preservative: A substance used to preserve something from decay.
• Stabilizer: An agent that makes something stable or steady.
• Binder: A material that holds things together.

Related Phrases

• Fixative spray: A fixative in an aerosol can for easy application.
  • He used a fixative spray on the sketch before framing it.
• Aldehyde fixative: A type of chemical fixative, like formaldehyde, used in histology.
  • The aldehyde fixative cross-links proteins to preserve cell structure.

Noun

1. a varnish dissolved in alcohol and sprayed over pictures to prevent smudging
2. a compound (such as ethanol or formaldehyde) that fixes tissues and cells for microscopic study