First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1preserve
verb pre·serve \pri-ˈzərv\
: to keep (something) in its original state or in good condition
: to keep (something) safe from harm or loss
: to prevent (food) from decaying
pre·servedpre·serv·ing
Full Definition of PRESERVE
transitive verb
1
: to keep safe from injury, harm, or destruction : protect
2
a : to keep alive, intact, or free from decay b : maintain
3
a : to keep or save from decomposition b : to can, pickle, or similarly prepare for future use
4
: to keep up and reserve for personal or special use
intransitive verb
1
: to make preserves
2
: to raise and protect game for purposes of sport
3
: to be able to be preserved (as by canning)
— pre·serv·abil·i·ty \-ˌzər-və-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— pre·serv·able \-ˈzər-və-bəl\ adjective
— pres·er·va·tion \ˌpre-zər-ˈvā-shən\ noun
— pre·serv·er \pri-ˈzər-vər\ noun
See preserve defined for English-language learners
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Origin of PRESERVE
Middle English, from Medieval Latin praeservare, from Late Latin, to observe beforehand, from Latin prae- + servare to keep, guard, observe — more at conserve
2preserve
noun
: a sweet food made of fruit cooked in sugar
: an area where plants, animals, minerals, etc., are protected
: an activity, job, interest, etc., that is available to or considered suitable for only a particular group of people
Full Definition of PRESERVE
1
: fruit canned or made into jams or jellies or cooked whole or in large pieces in a syrup so as to keep its shape —often used in plural
2
: an area restricted for the protection and preservation of natural resources (as animals or plants) <a game preserve for regulated hunting or fishing> <nature preserves>
3
: something regarded as reserved for certain persons
See preserve defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PRESERVE
1600
Other Ecology Terms
PRESERVE Defined for Kids
1preserve
verb pre·serve \pri-ˈzərv\
pre·servedpre·serv·ing
Definition of PRESERVE for Kids
1
: to keep or save from injury, loss, or ruin : protect <The laws will help preserve rain forests.>
2
: to prepare (as by canning or pickling) fruits or vegetables to be kept for future use
2preserve
noun
Definition of PRESERVE for Kids
1
: a sweet food made of fruit cooked in sugar —often used in pl. <strawberry preserves>
2
: an area where land and animals are protected
Medical Dictionary
preserve
transitive verb pre·serve \pri-ˈzərv\
pre·servedpre·serv·ing
Medical Definition of PRESERVE
1
: to keep alive, intact, or free from decay
2
: to keep or save from decomposition
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