fixative

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a compound (such as ethanol or formaldehyde) that fixes tissues and cells for microscopic study
noun a varnish dissolved in alcohol and sprayed over pictures to prevent smudging

“Oh, Maggie, you know, Mr. Whyte’s model, and Pinkie McCormick—we call her Pinkie because she’s got that beautiful red hair you artists like so much—and Lizzie Burke.” I sent a shower of spray from the fixative over the canvas, and said: “Well, go on.” “We saw Kelly and Baby Barnes the skirt-dancer and—and all the rest. — The King in Yellow, Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers

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