retardent

/rɪˈtɑrdənt/
noun
  1. A substance or agent that slows down or prevents a process, such as fire, rust, or decay.
    • The wood was treated with a fire retardent to make the house safer.
    • This spray acts as a rust retardent on metal tools.
    • Some fabrics are coated with a stain retardent to keep them clean longer.
Antonyms
adjective
  1. Serving to slow down or prevent a process.
    • This retardent foam is used to stop wildfires from spreading.
    • The retardent coating on the roof helps prevent ice buildup.
    • They added a retardent chemical to the paint to slow drying.
What does "retardent" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean