v. & n.
--v.tr.
1. a keep safe or free from harm, decay, etc. b keep alive (a name, memory, etc.).
2 maintain (a thing) in its existing state.
3 retain (a quality or condition).
4 a treat or refrigerate (food) to prevent decomposition or fermentation. b prepare (fruit) by boiling it with sugar, for long-term storage.
5 keep (game, a river, etc.) undisturbed for private use.
--n. (in sing. or pl.)
1. preserved fruit; jam.
2 a place where game or fish etc. is preserved.
3 a sphere or area of activity regarded as a person's own.
Phrases and idioms:
well-preserved (of an elderly person) showing little sign of ageing.
Derivatives:
preservable adj. preserver n.
Etymology: ME f. OF preserver f. LL praeservare (as PRAE-, servare keep)