preservation

[ prez-er-vey-shuhn, ]
See synonyms for preservation on Thesaurus.com
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.

  1. the process of preparing food or other perishables to resist spoilage or decomposition: Historic techniques of food preservation include drying, smoking, pickling, and salting.

Origin of preservation

1
First recorded in 1400–50; from Medieval Latin praeservātion-, stem of praeservātio “a guarding,” equivalent to praeservāt-, stem of praeservāre + Latin -iō -ion; see preserve

Other words from preservation

  • non·pres·er·va·tion, noun

Words Nearby preservation

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use preservation in a sentence

  • In short, in a few minutes, he might have the safety of his father, and the preservation of Europe in his hand.

  • This is a very curious and remarkable set of instruments, very highly finished and in fine preservation.

  • They are now in general use as the best means of preservation against damage and a good resting place at all times.

    Antonio Stradivari | Horace William Petherick
  • Considering its age, it is in a wonderfully good state of preservation, the original roof still being intact.

  • His version adheres as closely to the original as is compatible with elegance and the preservation of metrical grace.