retentive Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective good at remembering
    tenacious; recollective; long.
    • a retentive mind
    • tenacious memory
  2. adjective having the capacity to retain something
  3. adjective satellite having the power, capacity, or quality of retaining water
    • soils retentive of moisture

WordNet

Re*ten"tive adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. rétentif.
Definitions
  1. Having power to retain; as, a retentive memory.
    Nor airless dungeon, nor strong links of iron, Can be retentive to the strength of spirit. Shak.
Re*ten"tive noun
Definitions
  1. That which retains or confines; a restraint. R. Bp. Hall.

Webster 1913