fixation fixation /fɪkˈseɪʃən/

noun

1. (histology) the preservation and hardening of a tissue sample to retain as nearly as possible the same relations they had in the living body  ( fixation , fixing )
   (histology) the preservation and hardening of a tissue sample to retain as nearly as possible the same relations they had in the living body
   
2. The activity of fastening something firmly in position  ( fixation )
   the activity of fastening something firmly in position
   
3. An unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone  ( fixation , obsession )
   an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone
   
4. An abnormal state in which development has stopped prematurely  ( arrested development , fixation , infantile fixation , regression )
   an abnormal state in which development has stopped prematurely