noun
rareA thing which modifies something else; (Grammar) a modifying word or clause.
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in Thomas Fuller (1607/8–1661), Church of England clergyman. From post-classical Latin modificativus (adjective) that moderates, (in grammatical use) that modifies or qualifies from classical Latin modificāt-, past participial stem of modificāre + -īvus; compare -ative. Compare Middle French, French modificatif, adjective and noun.
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