re‧ten‧tion AC /rɪˈtenʃən/ noun [uncountable]
[Word Family: verb: retain; noun: retention]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: retentio, from retinere; ⇒ retain]

1. formal the act of keeping something
retention of
The UN will vote on the retention of sanctions against Iraq.

2. technical the ability or tendency of something to hold liquid, heat etc within itself:
Many people with heart problems suffer from fluid retention.

3. the ability to keep something in your memory:
I have a real problem with retention of information.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲