Preservative
WordNet
adjective
(1) Tending or having the power to preserve
"The timbers should be treated with a preservative"
noun
(2) A chemical compound that is added to protect against decay or decomposition
WiktionaryText
Noun
- any agent, natural or artificial that acts to preserve, especially when added to food
- Salt, sugar, and acid all act as preservatives when making pickles.
Adjective
preservative
- tending to preserve
- The curators took preservative actions to maintain the ancient collection.