preserve
preserve Lexical Profile
preserve Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To maintain something in its original or existing state and protect it from harm, loss, or decay.
"The city council passed new zoning laws to preserve the historic architecture of the downtown district."
To treat or prepare food, organic tissue, or specimens so as to prevent decomposition or spoilage.
"Before refrigeration, coastal communities used salt and smoke to preserve fish for the winter months."
• noun
A sweet food made with fruit cooked in sugar, such as jam or marmalade (usually used in the plural).
"She spread homemade strawberry preserves over the warm toasted bread."
A designated area of land or water where wildlife, forests, or natural resources are protected and managed.
"The coastal nature preserve provides a safe nesting habitat for several endangered seabird species."
A sphere of activity, interest, or expertise regarded as belonging exclusively to a particular person or group.
"For centuries, higher education was considered the exclusive preserve of the wealthy elite."
• Rhymes for preserve
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French preserver, from Late Latin praeservare ('to guard beforehand'), formed from prae- ('before') and servare ('to keep safe, observe').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.