something added to enhance food or gasoline or paint or medicine characterized or produced by addition; "an additive process
An additive is a substance which is added in small amounts to foods or other things in order to improve them or to make them last longer. Strict safety tests are carried out on food additives. a substance that is added to food to improve its taste, appearance etc. In foods, any of various chemical substances added to produce desirable effects. Additives include such substances as artificial or natural colourings and flavourings; stabilizers, emulsifiers, and thickeners; preservatives and humectants (moisture-retainers); and supplementary nutrients. Though many additives are harmless or even beneficial, others reduce nutritional value or conceal inferior raw materials or processing