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conserve

noun

No English definition recorded for this entry.

L318530 on Wikidata ↗

verb

  1. prevent spoiling
L7745 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈkɒnsɜː(ɹ)v/ / /kənˈsɜː(ɹ)v/

noun

Etymology: From Middle English conserven, from Old French conserver, from Latin conservare (“to keep, preserve”), from com- (intensive prefix) + servo (“keep watch, maintain”). See also observe.

  1. Wilderness where human development is prohibited.
  2. A jam or thick syrup made from fruit.

    I shall […] study broths, plasters, and conserves, till from a fine lady I become a notable woman.

  3. A medicinal confection made of freshly gathered vegetable substances mixed with finely powdered refined sugar.
  4. A conservatory.

    water[…]alwayes placed in the Conserve

verb

Etymology: From Middle English conserven, from Old French conserver, from Latin conservare (“to keep, preserve”), from com- (intensive prefix) + servo (“keep watch, maintain”). See also observe.

  1. To save for later use, sometimes by the use of a preservative.

    to conserve fruits with sugar

    the amity which […] they meant to conserve and maintain with the emperor

  2. To protect an environment, heritage, etc.

    Two entrants shared this award for their work on two quite different stations, but with the same purpose of bringing a redundant station building back into use for the benefit of the community, with the added result of conserving an historic building. Saltash Town Council bought Saltash station building after it had become very decrepit and 'an eyesore' - such that it was nearly pulled down to make way for housing.

  3. To remain unchanged during a process