retardant
UK[rɪˈtɑːdənt]US[rɪˈtɑːrdənt]
n
a substance that makes something happen or burn more slowly
adj
(of a substance) making something happen or burn more slowly
Morpheme Breakdown
re
tard
ant
re
back, again
tard
slow
ant
adjective/noun suffix
Etymology
the word retardant is built upon the latin root 'tardus', meaning slow, which itself may trace back to a proto-indo-european root meaning 'stiff' or 'immobile'. the prefix 're-', implying 'back' or 'again', intensifies the action of slowing. the suffix '-ant' converts the verb 'retard' (to delay or slow) into an adjective or noun describing an agent that causes this effect. thus, the literal construction 'making slow again' evolved into the modern technical term for a substance that inhibits chemical or physical processes, such as fire or corrosion.
Analysis
Structure: re (back, again) + tard (slow) + ant (adjective/noun suffix)
re- (latin prefix, meaning 'back' or 'again'); tard (from latin 'tardus', meaning 'slow'); -ant (latin suffix via french, forming adjectives meaning 'performing a specified action' or nouns meaning 'an agent that performs an action').
Examples
the fabric was treated with a fire retardant to improve safety.
this chemical acts as a corrosion retardant for the metal parts.
they added a flame-retardant coating to the children's pajamas.