noun [U] (formal)
1 the action of keeping sth rather than losing it or stopping it:
The company needs to improve its training and retention of staff.
2 the action of keeping liquid, heat, etc. inside sth rather than letting it escape:
Eating too much salt can cause fluid retention. * the importance of energy conservation and heat retention
3 the ability to remember things:
Visual material aids the retention of information.
seealsoRETAIN
