retained object

noun

: an object of a verb in the predicate of a passive construction (such as me in "a book was given me" and book in "I was given a book")

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retained object was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near retained object

Cite this Entry

“Retained object.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retained%20object. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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