RETARDANT Meaning and
Definition
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A retardant is a substance or material that is used to slow down or inhibit the progress, development, or spread of something, particularly fire, flame, or combustion. It is designed to provide fire resistance and reduce the intensity of a fire or its ability to spread rapidly.
In the context of fire safety, a retardant is often employed to protect buildings, objects, or materials from catching fire or to suppress existing fires. It acts by creating a barrier between the fire and the material it aims to shield. Retardants generally work by either cooling the fuel or by forming a thin layer of foam or chemical compound that suffocates the flames by limiting the oxygen supply.
Retardants can be classified based on their different chemical compositions and properties. They are commonly available in liquid or powder form, formulated to be easily applied by spraying, coating, or dusting. Firefighting professionals and public safety agencies primarily use fire retardants, applying them strategically to minimize the risk of fires growing out of control.
Additionally, the term "retardant" finds its usage in diverse industries beyond fire safety. For instance, it can refer to substances or chemicals utilized to slow down, inhibit, or decelerate the progress or development of physical, chemical, or biological processes. In this broader context, retardants can be employed in areas like medicine, microbiology, engineering, and physics, among others.
Top Common Misspellings for RETARDANT *
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Other Common Misspellings for RETARDANT
Etymology of RETARDANT
The word "retardant" is derived from the Latin verb "retardare", which means "to delay, to hinder, to keep back". The suffix "-ant" is added to the root word "retard", indicating something that "retards" or slows down or inhibits a particular process or action. In the context of fire safety or fireproofing, a "retardant" is a substance or material that inhibits or delays the spread of fire or combustion.
Similar spelling words for RETARDANT
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