well-preserved

[ wel-pri-zurvd ]

adjective

1. having been maintained in good condition; preserving a good or healthy appearance:

   a well-preserved manuscript; a well-preserved elderly couple.

well-preserved

adjective

1. kept in a good condition
2. continuing to appear youthful

   she was a well-preserved old lady

Word History and Origins

Origin of well-preserved¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Idioms and Phrases

Aging gracefully, still in good condition, as in I can't believe she's 65; she's certainly well preserved . [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Most craters are eroded but this one was well-preserved, meaning the scientists could look further into the rock levels.

From BBC

Discovered in 1895 by German explorer Hermann Eberhard, Mylodon cave contained exceptionally well-preserved remains including pieces of skin, fur and dung.

From Salon

Four-year-old Lily found a well-preserved dinosaur footprint at The Bendricks three years ago and now Tegan has spotted some more just down the coast.

From BBC

Excavated from a gravel pit near Abingdon-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, the fossil includes part of the pterosaur's wing bone, which was broken into three pieces but still well-preserved.

From Science Daily

The King appeared amused by this, commenting: "How fantastic, they're remarkably well-preserved."

From BBC

Related Words

• unspoiled