fixative
noun
fix·a·tive ˈfik-sə-tiv 
: something that fixes or sets: such as
a
: a substance added to a perfume especially to prevent too rapid evaporation
b
: a substance used to fix living tissue
c
: a varnish used especially for the protection of drawings (as in pastel or charcoal)
fixative adjective
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Going back to the religious boom of the 1950s, American political leaders have consistently reached for religion as a sort of all-purpose social fixative: a bedrock, shared faith in, well, the idea of faith. 
Matthew Sitman, The New Republic, 15 Apr. 2021 The variety is prized for its delicate flavors and also serves as a fixative, helping the gin to retain its citrus crispness. Jake Emen, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2020 Wash the socks on cold in the washing machine with a fabric fixative. Elizabeth Paton, New York Times, 12 May 2020 Because analyzing the cells doesn't require the addition of fixatives or fluorescent dyes, ISL could be more consistent, less harmful to cultures, and enable longer-term monitoring of cellular health than traditional methods. Robbie Gonzalez, WIRED, 12 Apr. 2018 Previous techniques often required the use of dyes or fixatives to help see these molecules. Judith Vonberg, CNN, 4 Oct. 2017
Matthew Sitman, The New Republic, 15 Apr. 2021 The variety is prized for its delicate flavors and also serves as a fixative, helping the gin to retain its citrus crispness. Jake Emen, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2020 Wash the socks on cold in the washing machine with a fabric fixative. Elizabeth Paton, New York Times, 12 May 2020 Because analyzing the cells doesn't require the addition of fixatives or fluorescent dyes, ISL could be more consistent, less harmful to cultures, and enable longer-term monitoring of cellular health than traditional methods. Robbie Gonzalez, WIRED, 12 Apr. 2018 Previous techniques often required the use of dyes or fixatives to help see these molecules. Judith Vonberg, CNN, 4 Oct. 2017 Word History
Etymology
from fixative, adjective, "serving to fix," borrowed from New Latin fīxātīvus, from Medieval Latin fīxātus, past participle of fīxāre "to reduce a volatile substance (in alchemy)" (in New Latin, "to fix") + Latin -īvus -ive — more at fixation
First Known Use
circa 1859, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
fixative
noun
fix·a·tive ˈfik-sət-iv
: a substance used to fix living tissue