retentive adj 1: good at remembering; "a retentive mind"; "tenacious memory" [syn: {retentive}, {recollective}, {long}, {tenacious}] [ant: {forgetful}, {short}, {unretentive}] 2: having the capacity to retain something 3: having the power, capacity, or quality of retaining water; "soils retentive of moisture"
Retentive \Re*ten"tive\, a. [Cf. F. r['e]tentif.] Having power to retain; as, a retentive memory. [1913 Webster] Nor airless dungeon, nor strong links of iron, Can be retentive to the strength of spirit. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Retentive \Re*ten"tive\, n. That which retains or confines; a restraint. [R.] --Bp. Hall. [1913 Webster]