An ability to recall or recognize what has been learned or experienced; memory.
Something retained.
Involuntary withholding of bodily wastes or secretions that are normally eliminated.
[Middle English retencioun, from Old French retention, from Latin retentiō, retentiōn-, from retentus, past participle of retinēre, to retain; see retain.]
c.1400, from L. retentionem (nom. retentio) "a retaining, a holding back," from pp. stem of retinere (see retain). Retentive is attested from c.1375, from O.Fr. retentif.
Main Entry: re·ten·tion Pronunciation: ri-'ten-ch&n Function: noun 1: the act of retaining: as a: abnormal
retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity <retention of urine> <retention of bile> b: the holding in place of a tooth or dental replacement by means
of a retainer <retention is the fixation of a removable partial denture in the mouth in such a manner that … it may be inserted and retained with sufficient firmness —Review
of Dentistry> 2: a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible
The securities that are distributed to members of an underwriting syndicate after accounting for the portion of the new issue retained for sales to institutions and members
of the selling group who are not also part of the syndicate.
Main Entry: re·ten·tion Pronunciation: ri-'ten-ch&n Function: noun 1: the act of retaining or the state of being retained 2: the portion of the insurance on a particular risk not reinsured or ceded by the originating insurer
Re*tain"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retained; p. pr. & vb. n. Retaining.] [F. retainir, L. retinere; pref. re- re- + tenere to hold, keep. See Tenable, and cf. Rein of a bridle, Retention, Retinue.]1. To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose, part with, or dismiss; to retrain from departure, escape, or the like. "Thy shape invisibleretain." --Shak. Be obedient, and retain Unalterably firm his love entire. --Milton. An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator. --Blackstone. 2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor. A Benedictine convent has now retained the most learned father of their order to write in its defense. --Addison. 3. To restrain; to prevent. [Obs.] --Sir W. Temple. Retaining wall (Arch. & Engin.), a wall built to keep any movable backing, or a bank of sand or earth, in its place; -- called also retain wall. Syn: To keep; hold; retrain. See Keep.
Re*ten"tion\, n. [L. retentio: cf. F. r['e]tention. See Retain.]1. The act of retaining, or the state of being ratined. 2. The power of retaining; retentiveness. No woman's heart So big, to hold so much; they lack retention. --Shak. 3. That which contains something, as a tablet; a ???? of preserving impressions. [R.] --Shak. 4. The act of withholding; retraint; reserve. --Shak. 5. Place of custody or confinement. 6. (Law) The right of withholding a debt, or of retaining property until a debt due to the person claiming the right be duly paid; a lien. --Erskine. Craig. Retention cyst (Med.), a cyst produced by obstruction of a duct leading from a secreting organ and the consequent retention of the natural secretions.
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