/ ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn; NAmE ˌkɑːnsərˈv-/ noun [ U ]
1.
the protection of the natural environment
SYN conservancy :
to be interested in wildlife conservation
2.
the official protection of buildings that have historical or artistic importance
3.
the act of preventing sth from being lost, wasted, damaged or destroyed :
to encourage the conservation of water / fuel
energy conservation
—see also conserve
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin conservatio(n-) , from the verb conservare to preserve, from con- together + servare to keep.