conserve

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To use something carefully so that it is not wasted or used up.

   We should all try to conserve water during the dry season.

2. 2
   verb

   To protect a natural environment or historic place from harm.

   The trust works to conserve ancient woodlands across the country.

3. 3
   noun

   A jam or thick sweet preserve made from fruit.

   She spread homemade strawberry conserve on her toast.

From Middle English conserven, from Old French conserver, from Latin conservare (“to keep, preserve”), from com- (intensive prefix) + servo (“keep watch, maintain”). See also observe.

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