Detentive

/dɪˈtentɪv/ adjective

Definition

Relating to, characterized by, or tending to detain or hold back; having the quality of retention.

Etymology

From 'detent' or 'detain' plus -ive (suffix forming adjectives meaning 'tending to' or 'relating to'). A technical term used in mechanics and legal contexts.

Kelly Says

Detentive is the adjective form describing something that has the quality of holding or locking—detentive force, detentive properties. It's the kind of word engineers use to describe how mechanisms resist release.

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