retention

Everyday

1. Retention is keeping something, or keeping it from being lost. tree →
2. (UK school) Retention can mean keeping a pupil back a year. tree →
3. (science/health) Water retention is when the body holds too much water. tree →

In the lessons

A formal word: in learning, «memory retention» is how much you remember. In science, soil with good water retention holds water. Phrases: «memory retention», «water retention», «heat retention».

Examples

• Revision helps the retention of facts. tree →
• Clay soil has good water retention. tree →
• The wool coat has good heat retention. tree →
• Staff retention is a problem for the company. tree →
• Swelling in the ankles can be caused by water retention. tree →

Note

Formal; noun of «retain» (keep). Uncountable. In US schools «retention» can mean having to repeat a grade.