Definition

A substance or agent that is used to protect something from damage or harm.

Example

The gardener applied a protectant to the plants to keep them safe from pests.

Conversation

I just bought a new wooden table for the patio.

Nice! Did you apply a protectant to it?

Yes, I used a good quality protectant to keep it safe from the weather.

That's smart! It will definitely help it last longer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Protectant → It is formed from "protect" (from Latin "protegere", meaning to cover in front) and "-ant" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating an agent or something that performs a specified action). The word "protectant" refers to a substance that serves to protect or shield something.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'covers in front' ('protect') to keep it safe, and the '-ant' means it acts as an agent. A protectant is something that acts to protect.

Visually Confused Words