retardant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retardant" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to materials or substances that slow down or prevent a process, such as fire or chemical reactions. Example: "The building was constructed with fire retardant materials to enhance safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

In a few months, the two back wheels will be removed to be replaced by one, Brown will don his bright blue, flame retardant suit and boots, climb into the cockpit, throttle up, hit a button and, hopefully, zoom into the record books.

The Guardian - Tech

In America last week one of the largest corporate settlements over asbestos, a fire retardant that causes lung cancer and other diseases, was agreed, between around 30 insurers and PPG Industries, a chemicals and paint manufacturer with a half-share in a bankrupt asbestos producer.

The Economist

A standard feature of all recent big fire-fights has been a fleet of 33 "aerial retardant tankers", old propeller-driven planes that "bomb" blazes with hundreds of gallons of red-tinted chemicals.

The Economist

Certain trees, including larches and giant sequoias, have incredibly thick, fire retardant bark and can be directly burned without sustaining damage to their vital tissues (though they will eventually succumb to intense fires).

Britannica

Tris, or tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, a flame retardant used in children's sleepwear, was one of the most famous to be outlawed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It facilitates cleanliness and sanitation in building and is a retardant to the spread of fire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

To make matters worse, in 2002 a combination of torrential rain and fire-retardant chemicals caused the red carpet to bubble and foam, which in turn caused Kate Winslet to pull a face like a terrified old man.

The Guardian - Film

ANOTHER act has begun in a show that most people thought had closed long ago: litigation over illnesses linked to exposure to asbestos, a fire-retardant.

The Economist

And the final version will be made from some, as yet unspecified, fire-retardant material.

The Economist

Dr Dayan says it could take two to three lifetimes for them to disappear from the population.Flame-retardant chemicals have undoubtedly saved many lives, but it seems possible that there have been some hidden costs.

The Economist

What was not known at the time, however, was DDT's propensity to accumulate, persist and damage the environment.Similarly, over the last 30 years flame-retardant chemicals known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been widely used, although little is known about their broader effects.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing materials, specify the type of "retardant" used (e.g., flame retardant, fire retardant) for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "retardant" generically. Always specify what it is retarding. For instance, instead of saying "the material is retardant", clarify with "the material is flame retardant" or "the material is a fire retardant".

Linguistic Context

The word "retardant" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that slows down or inhibits a process, such as fire. Ludwig confirms this usage is correct and frequent, appearing in various contexts related to safety and material properties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retardant" is a versatile term primarily used as an adjective to describe something that slows down or inhibits a process, most commonly related to fire. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. It appears most often in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When writing, it's best to specify what the "retardant" is acting upon (e.g., "fire retardant"). While there are concerns surrounding some flame "retardants", the term remains essential in discussions about safety and material properties. Ludwig examples illustrate the breadth of its application, highlighting its importance in various industries and contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inhibiting

Focuses on the action of preventing or hindering something from happening.

slowing

Emphasizes the deceleration aspect, applicable to processes or actions.

impeding

Suggests an obstruction or hindrance to progress or action.

delaying

Highlights the act of postponing or deferring an event or process.

suppressing

Implies a forceful prevention or holding back of something.

dampening

Focuses on reducing the intensity or effect of something, like a fire or reaction.

restraining

Indicates a limitation or control over movement or action.

moderating

Suggests a reduction in intensity or extremity, often in a controlled manner.

checking

Implies a halt or control on the progression of something.

abating

Focuses on the reduction in intensity or degree, often in the context of something negative like a storm or fire.

FAQs

How is "retardant" used in the context of wildfires?

In wildfire management, "retardant" typically refers to a chemical substance, often dropped from aircraft, that slows or stops the spread of fire. Examples include water and specially formulated "fire retardant" solutions.

What's the difference between "retardant" and "resistant"?

"Retardant" implies slowing down or inhibiting something, while "resistant" means offering opposition or withstanding something entirely. A "fire retardant" material slows the spread of fire, while a "fire resistant" material can withstand fire without being damaged or igniting.

What materials commonly contain flame "retardants"?

Flame "retardants" are frequently found in furniture, electronics, textiles, and building materials to reduce flammability and slow the spread of fire. Regulations often mandate their use in certain products to enhance safety.

Are there concerns about the use of flame "retardants"?

Yes, some flame "retardants" have been linked to health and environmental concerns. As a result, some are being phased out or replaced with safer alternatives. Research is ongoing to assess the risks and benefits of different types of flame "retardants".