Pre*serv"a*tive (?), a. [Cf. F. pr'eservatif.]
Having the power or quality of preserving; tending to preserve, or to keep from injury, decay, etc.
© Webster 1913.
Pre*serv"a*tive, n.
That which preserves, or has the power of preserving; a presevative agent.
To wear tablets as preservatives against the plague.
Bacon.
© Webster 1913.