preserve

verb

• 1maintain (something) in its original or existing state:all records of the past were zealously preserved (as adjective preserved)a magnificently preserved monastery
• retain (a condition or state of affairs):a fight to preserve local democracy
• maintain or keep alive (a memory or quality):the film has preserved all the qualities of the novel
• keep safe from harm or injury:a place for preserving endangered species
• keep (game or an area where game is found) undisturbed to allow private hunting or shooting.

• 2treat (food) to prevent its decomposition: freezing and canning can be reliable methods of preserving foods
• prepare (fruit) for long-term storage by boiling it with sugar: (as adjective preserved)preserved oranges

noun

• 1 [mass noun] a foodstuff made with fruit preserved in sugar, such as jam or marmalade:a jar of cherry preserve [count noun]:home-made preserves

• 2a sphere of activity regarded as being reserved for a particular person or group:the civil service became the preserve of the educated middle class

• 3chiefly North American a place where game is protected and kept for private hunting or shooting.