retention Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of retaining something
    keeping; holding.
  2. noun the power of retaining and recalling past experience
    retentivity; retentiveness; memory.
    • he had a good memory when he was younger
  3. noun the power of retaining liquid
    retentivity; retentiveness.
    • moisture retentivity of soil

WordNet

Re*ten"tion noun
Etymology
L. retentio: cf. F. rétention. See Retain.
Definitions
  1. The act of retaining, or the state of being ratined.
  2. The power of retaining; retentiveness.
    No woman's heart So big, to hold so much; they lack retention. Shak.
  3. That which contains something, as a tablet; a of preserving impressions. R. Shak.
  4. The act of withholding; retraint; reserve. Shak.
  5. Place of custody or confinement.
  6. (Law) The right of withholding a debt, or of retaining property until a debt due to the person claiming the right be duly paid; a lien. Erskine. Craig.

Webster 1913