v.
- maintain in its original or existing state.
▸keep alive (a memory or quality).
- keep safe from harm or injury.
- treat (food) to prevent its decomposition.
▸prepare (fruit) for long-term storage by boiling it with sugar.
n.
- a foodstuff made with fruit preserved in sugar.
- something regarded as reserved for a particular person or group.
- chiefly N. Amer. a place where game is protected and kept for private hunting or shooting.
Derivative
- preservable adj.
- preservation n.
- preserver n.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. preserver, from late L. praeservare, from prae- ‘before, in advance’ + servare ‘to keep’.