'Retention' definitions:

Definition of 'retention'

(from WordNet)
noun
The act of retaining something [syn: retention, keeping, holding]
noun
The power of retaining and recalling past experience; "he had a good memory when he was younger" [syn: memory, retention, retentiveness, retentivity]
noun
The power of retaining liquid; "moisture retentivity of soil" [syn: retentiveness, retentivity, retention]

Definition of 'Retention'

From: GCIDE
  • Retention \Re*ten"tion\, n. [L. retentio: cf. F. r['e]tention. See Retain.]
  • 1. The act of retaining, or the state of being ratined. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. The power of retaining; retentiveness. [1913 Webster]
  • No woman's heart So big, to hold so much; they lack retention. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. That which contains something, as a tablet; a ???? of preserving impressions. [R.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. The act of withholding; retraint; reserve. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. Place of custody or confinement. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Retention cyst (Med.), a cyst produced by obstruction of a duct leading from a secreting organ and the consequent retention of the natural secretions. [1913 Webster]