Holds back (9)
(Other definitions for retardant that I've seen before include "Preventing, inhibiting" , "having slowing effect" , "It delays" , "Inhibiting substance" , "Substance suppressing fire" .)
<span class="explanation-format__ClueExplanation">'<span class="explanation-format__original">holds back</span>' is the definition.<br/ ><span class="explanation-format__explanation">('restrain' can be a synonym of 'hold back')</span><br/ ><br/ >This is the entire clue.<br/ ></span>
(Other definitions for restrains that I've seen before include "Sister ran (anag.)" , "Keeps in check" , "Keeps under control or within limits" , "Keeps back" .)
<span class="explanation-format__ClueExplanation">'<span class="explanation-format__original">holds back</span>' is the definition.<br/ ><span class="explanation-format__explanation">(I've seen this in another clue)</span><br/ ><br/ >This is all the clue.<br/ ></span>
(Other definitions for deters that I've seen before include "Puts off" , "is discouraging" , "Discourages or hinders" , "Discourages or prevents from doing something" , "Persuades or discourages from doing" .)
<span class="explanation-format__ClueExplanation">'<span class="explanation-format__original">holds back</span>' is the definition.<br/ ><span class="explanation-format__explanation">(I've seen this in another clue)</span><br/ ><br/ >This is all the clue.<br/ ></span>
(Other definitions for stems that I've seen before include "Dams" , "Slender upright parts, flowers or glasses" , "Stalks" , "Structures that support plants" , "gets arrested?" .)