preservation
/prɛzəˈveɪʃ(ə)n
/noun [mass noun]
1The action of preserving something: the preservation of the city’s green spaces food preservation...
- Chilling or freezing was originally only available as a method of food preservation to those with a ready supply of ice.
- In the ancient world, herbs were valued as much for food preservation as they were for flavor.
- In the days before refrigeration and canning, salt was one of the only methods of food preservation.
Synonyms
conservation, protection, maintenance, care, safeguarding, keeping
continuation, conservation, keeping up, keeping alive, keeping going, maintenance, upholding, sustaining, prolongation, perpetuation
conserving, bottling, tinning, canning, potting, chilling, freezing, freeze-drying, quick-freezing, drying, desiccation, dehydration;
curing, smoking, kippering, salting, pickling, marinating, sousing, corning, jellying, candying;
embalming, mummification
1.1The state of being preserved, especially to a specified degree: the chapel is in a poor state of preservation...
- The fine preservation is due to the silicification of chert in which it was embedded.
- As well as ensuring the long-term preservation of these buildings, the work will greatly improve access to the site.
- But it is Machu Picchu's remarkable unity and state of preservation that are so satisfying to a visitor.
Origin
Late Middle English: via Old French from medieval Latin praeservatio(n-), from late Latin praeservare 'to keep' (see preserve).