# additive

/ˈædətɪv/ (US) · /ˈædɪtˌɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/additive
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

a substance added to food, medicine, or other products to improve them or change how they work.

For teachers: a substance added to a mixture, food, or drug to provide a specific property, such as preservation or flavor.

## Examples

- Salt is a common additive in processed foods.
- The label lists several additives that help keep the yogurt fresh.
- Regulatory bodies strictly monitor food additives to ensure they do not pose long-term health risks to consumers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.