nonconsumptive

adjective

non·​con·​sump·​tive ˌnän-kən-ˈsəm(p)-tiv How to pronounce nonconsumptive (audio)
: not using or consuming something
nonconsumptive water use
These nonconsumptive visitors—a bureaucratic term that is used to differentiate bird watchers and photographers from hunters and fishermen …Popular Mechanics

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonconsumptive was in 1801

Dictionary Entries Near nonconsumptive

Cite this Entry

“Nonconsumptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonconsumptive. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!