conserve

Noun

conserve (plural conserves)

1. Wilderness where human development is prohibited.
2. A jam or thick syrup made from fruit.
   • I shall […] study broths, plasters, and conserves, till from a fine lady I become a notable woman.1709 August 21 (Gregorian calendar), Isaac Bickerstaff [et al., pseudonyms; Richard Steele et al.], “Wednesday, August 11, 1709”, in The Tatler, number 53; republished in [Richard Steele], editor...
3. (obsolete) A medicinal confection made of freshly gathered vegetable substances mixed with finely powdered refined sugar.
4. (obsolete) A conservatory.
   • water[…]alwayes placed in the Conservec. 1700, John Evelyn, Elysium Britannicum

Verb

IPA/kənˈsɜː(ɹ)v/

conserve (third-person singular simple present conserves, present participle conserving, simple past and past participle conserved)

1. (transitive) To save for later use, sometimes by the use of a preservative.
   • to conserve fruits with sugar
   • the amity which […] they meant to conserve and maintain with the emperor1721, John Strype, Ecclesiastical Memorials; Relating Chiefly to Religion, and the Reformation of It, and the Emergencies of the Church of England, under King Henry VIII. King Edward VI. and Queen...
2. (transitive) To protect an environment, heritage, etc.
   • Two entrants shared this award for their work on two quite different stations, but with the same purpose of bringing a redundant station building back into use for the benefit of the community, with the added result of conserving an historic building. Saltash Town Council bought Saltash station...2021 December 15, Robin Leleux, “Awards honour the best restoration projects: The Network Rail Community Award: Saltash and Stow”, in RAIL, number 946, page 58
3. (intransitive) To remain unchanged during a process