A substance added to food products or to an organic solution to prevent chemical change or bacterial action.
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pre·ser·va·tive pri-'zər-vət-iv n something that preserves or has the power of preserving specif an additive used to protect against decay, discoloration, or spoilage <a food \preservative>
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pre·ser·va·tive (prə-zurґvə-tiv) a substance or preparation added to a product to destroy or inhibit the multiplication of microorganisms.Medical dictionary. 2011.