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REFERENCE

conservation

n.
US //ˌkɑnsɝˈveɪʃən// UK //kˌɒnsəvˈeɪʃən// con·ser·va·tion
  1. 1 protecting nature (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    the protection of plants, animals, and natural areas from the damaging effects of human activity.

    the preservation and management of biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources to prevent extinction or habitat loss.

    Example

    The local conservation group is working to protect the forest from new housing projects.

    Example

    Effective wildlife conservation requires a delicate balance between protecting endangered species and supporting the economic needs of local communities.

    Usage

    Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'conservation area' or 'conservation effort'.
  2. 2 saving resources (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of using less of something, like water or energy, so that it is not wasted.

    the planned management of a limited resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.

    Example

    Water conservation becomes very important during the dry summer months.

    Example

    The government introduced new tax incentives to encourage energy conservation in industrial manufacturing plants.
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  1. 3 restoring art or buildings (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    the professional care and repair of old buildings, art, or historical objects.

    the professional activity of preserving and restoring cultural heritage, including works of art, architecture, and archaeological finds.

    Example

    The museum's conservation department spent months cleaning the ancient painting.

    Example

    The conservation of the medieval cathedral involved both structural reinforcement and the delicate cleaning of original stained-glass windows.
  2. 4 physics: staying the same (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical Science

    the fact that the total amount of something, like energy, stays the same even when it changes form.

    the principle that a total value of a physical magnitude remains constant in a system which is isolated from its surroundings.

    Example

    According to the law of conservation of energy, energy cannot be created or destroyed.

    Example

    Students must demonstrate a firm grasp of the conservation of momentum before moving on to more complex orbital mechanics.
Origin

From Old French. By surface analysis, conserve + -ation.

Word family

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