■ verb
1》 maintain in its original or existing state.
↘keep alive (a memory or quality).
2》 keep safe from harm or injury.
3》 treat (food) to prevent its decomposition.
↘prepare (fruit) for long-term storage by boiling it with sugar.
■ noun
1》 a foodstuff made with fruit ~d in sugar.
2》 something regarded as reserved for a particular person or group.
3》 chiefly N. Amer. a place where game is protected and kept for private hunting or shooting.
Derivatives
preservable adjective
preservation noun
~r noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~r , from late L. praeservare , from prae- 'before, in advance' + servare 'to keep'.