conservator

[ kuhn-sur-vuh-ter, kon-ser-vey- ]

noun

1. a person who conserves or preserves; preserver; protector.
2. a person who repairs, restores, or maintains the condition of objects, as paintings or sculptures in an art museum, or books in a library.
3. Law. a guardian; a custodian.
4. British. a person employed by a conservancy commission; a conservation worker.

conservator

/ ˈkɒnsəˌveɪtə; kənˈsɜːvə- /

noun

1. a person who conserves or keeps safe; custodian, guardian, or protector

Other Words From

• con·serv·a·to·ri·al [k, uh, n-sur-v, uh, -, tawr, -ee-, uh, l], adjective
• con·ser·va·tor·ship noun
• sub·con·ser·va·tor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conservator¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin, equivalent to conservā(re) “to keep safe; preserve” + -tor agent suffix; conserve -tor

Example Sentences

Dr Hoyle asked the abbey's stonemason to add the dots and its conservator to paint them.

From BBC

National Museums Scotland assistant conservator Bethan Bryan said the necklace parts were "dusty but in great condition" when presented for restoration.

From BBC

A new state law makes it easier to appoint a conservator to direct care of people suffering from mental illness or substance abuse to prevent further crisis.

From Los Angeles Times

A 2003 report by respected conservator Fonda Thomsen determined at least part of the flag is made of wool but “the flag was not examined sufficiently to draw any conclusions.”

From Seattle Times

Leno in January filed a since-granted petition to become conservator of his wife’s person — including her medical decisions — after her diagnoses with advanced dementia and a mood disorder.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• curator
• custodian
• restorer