fixative
/'fiksətiv/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- a varnish dissolved in alcohol and sprayed over pictures to prevent smudging
- a compound (such as ethanol or formaldehyde) that fixes tissues and cells for microscopic study