Definition of retain

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< retailing

retained earnings >

re·tain    (r-tn) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
re·tained, re·tain·ing, re·tains

1. To maintain possession of. See Synonyms at keep.
2. To keep or hold in a particular place, condition, or position.
3. To keep in mind; remember.
4. To hire (an attorney, for example) by the payment of a fee.
5. To keep in one's service or pay.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English retainen, from Old French retenir, from Latin retinre : re-, re- + tenre, to hold; see ten- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
re·taina·bili·ty(Noun), re·taina·ble(Adjective), re·tainment(Noun)