retardant

adjective

re·​tar·​dant ri-ˈtär-dᵊnt How to pronounce retardant (audio)
: serving or tending to retard
a growth-retardant substance
retardant noun

Examples of retardant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The unit has a durable waterproof steel frame structure with a flame retardant foam wallboard, and according to the brand, the tiny home can withstand elements like high winds and even low-magnitude earthquakes. Toni Sutton, People.com, 29 Sep. 2024 The air resources came from Cal Fire, which dropped retardant from an air tanker and helicopters. Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 There is no safe level of flame retardant consumption, and the findings point to the uncertainty of plastic recycling as well as the overwhelming use of plastic in daily life. Devika Rao, theweek, 17 Oct. 2024 One consumer product, a black plastic sushi tray, contained 11,900 parts per million of the flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ether, or decaBDE for short. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for retardant 

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retardant was in 1642

Dictionary Entries Near retardant

Cite this Entry

“Retardant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retardant. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

retardant

adjective
re·​tar·​dant ri-ˈtärd-ᵊnt How to pronounce retardant (audio)
: serving or tending to retard
flame-retardant fabrics

More from Merriam-Webster on retardant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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