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retention

1. The persistent keeping within the body of matters normally excreted.

2. In cavity preparation, the prevention of displacement of a restoration.

3. (Science: dentistry) The period during which the patient is wearing an appliance to maintain and stabilise the teeth in the position into which they were moved.

4. (Science: psychology) The persistence to perform a learned behaviour (facts or experiences) after an interval has elapsed in which there has been no performance or practice of the behaviour.

Origin: L. Retentio, from retentare = to hold firmly back The power of retaining and recalling past experience; he had a good memory when he was younger.