preservation
Americannoun
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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.
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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.
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the process of preparing food or other perishables to resist spoilage or decomposition.
Historic techniques of food preservation include drying, smoking, pickling, and salting.
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A nonprofit exists to preserve them, but tour guide Teri Rommelmann said preservation efforts aren’t meant to alter the course of nature and time, but rather to save the work from sinking into the sand.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026
On Thursday, he issued a highly unusual document preservation order in light of the department’s confession.
From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026
This can be a highly effective asset preservation strategy, according to The Karp Law Firm, which has offices in Florida.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026
“Gold offers a compelling proposition for investors focused on wealth preservation and intergenerational resilience. We view the recent pullback as an opportunity to adjust strategic exposure and tactically position for a recovery,” he added.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
She and Uncle Lou came over for dinner a couple of nights ago, and we talked about everything from women's rights in India to the environment to preservation of endangered tigers.
From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
