preservation

American  

[prez-er-vey-shuhn] / ˌprɛz ərˈveɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of keeping something in existence.

   The creation, stabilization, and preservation of quality long-term affordable housing is a critical step in maintaining a healthy community.

2. the act or process of keeping something safe from damage or deterioration.

   The facilities include air-conditioned storage vaults for optimum preservation of the historic film archive.

   The natural growth of population continuously presents problems for the preservation of the environment.

3. the process of preparing food or other perishables to resist spoilage or decomposition.

   Historic techniques of food preservation include drying, smoking, pickling, and salting.

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Other Word Forms

• nonpreservation noun

Etymology

Origin of preservation

First recorded in 1400–50; from Medieval Latin praeservātion-, stem of praeservātio “a guarding,” equivalent to praeservāt-, stem of praeservāre + Latin -iō -ion ( def. ); preserve ( def. )

Example Sentences

Vindolanda is well known among archaeologists for its exceptional preservation of organic materials, thanks to the site's waterlogged soil.

From Science Daily

In contrast, the evidence presented indicates that SN101 supports the preservation of joint tissue while easing chronic pain, and it does so without the risk of addiction.

From Science Daily

“The End of Everything” instructs us that the preservation of our democracy requires constant attention to the norms of civility, respect for lawful authority and a shared commitment to the dignity of every individual.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ms. Kondo illustrates mottainai through art forms that evolved from the spirit of preservation—including kintsugi, or the painstaking process of repairing broken pottery with a combination of lacquer and gold.

From The Wall Street Journal

A rosy link of pork and beef spiced with ground caraway, smoked as much for preservation as for flavor, this fortifying nosh needs no refrigeration.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• care
• conservancy
• conservation
• safeguarding
• safety
• security
• storage