First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1conserve
verb con·serve \kən-ˈsərv\
: to keep (something) safe from being damaged or destroyed
: to use (something) carefully in order to prevent loss or waste
con·servedcon·serv·ing
Full Definition of CONSERVE
transitive verb
1
: to keep in a safe or sound state <he conserved his inheritance>; especially : to avoid wasteful or destructive use of <conserve natural resources>
2
: to preserve with sugar
3
: to maintain (a quantity) constant during a process of chemical, physical, or evolutionary change <conserved DNA sequences>
— con·serv·er noun
See conserve defined for English-language learners
See conserve defined for kids
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Origin of CONSERVE
Middle English, from Middle French conserver, from Latin conservare, from com- + servare to keep, guard, observe; akin to Avestan haurvaiti he guards
Related to CONSERVE
- Synonyms
- husband
- Antonyms
- blow, dissipate, fritter (away), lavish, misspend, run through, squander, throw away, waste
Rhymes with CONSERVE
2conserve
noun con·serve \ˈkän-ˌsərv\
: a sweet food made by cooking pieces of fruit with sugar
Full Definition of CONSERVE
1
: sweetmeat; especially : a candied fruit
2
: preserve; specifically : one prepared from a mixture of fruits
See conserve defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CONSERVE
15th century
CONSERVER Defined for Kids
1conserve
verb con·serve \kən-ˈsərv\
con·servedcon·serv·ing
Definition of CONSERVE for Kids
1
: to prevent the waste of <Close the window to conserve heat.>
2
: to keep in a safe condition : save <We must conserve our forests.>
2conserve
noun con·serve \ˈkän-ˌsərv\
Definition of CONSERVE for Kids
: a rich fruit preserve
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