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fixative

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.10 sec.
fixative /fix·a·tive/ (fik´sit-iv) an agent used in preserving a histological or pathological specimen so as to maintain the normal structure of its constituent elements.
fix·a·tive (fks-tv)
adj.
Serving to fix, bind, or make firm or stable.
n.
A substance used for the preservation of tissue or cell specimens.

fixative
[fik′sətiv]
Etymology: L, figere, to fasten
1 any substance used to bind, glue, or stabilize.
2 any substance used to preserve gross or histologic specimens of tissue for later examination.

fixative
(fik´stiv),
n 1. a substance used to bind, glue, or stabilize.
2. a substance used to preserve gross or histologic specimens of tissue for later examination.

fixative
an agent such as formalin used in preserving a histological or pathological specimen so as to maintain the normal structure of its constituent elements.


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? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
Around 1920, botanists started to embed plant samples in wax, first treating them with alcohol fixatives, which dissolved plant oils.
Removing the fixative coatings--many of which are designed to peel off in large, easily disposable pieces--will clean away radioactive particles that had adhered.
 
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