salvage

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsalvɪdʒ/

verb

[with object]
  • rescue (a wrecked or disabled ship or its cargo) from loss at sea: an emerald and gold cross was salvaged from the wreck
  • retrieve or preserve (something) from potential loss or adverse circumstances: it was the only crumb of comfort he could salvage from the ordeal

noun

[mass noun]
  • the rescue of a wrecked or disabled ship or its cargo from loss at sea: [as modifier]: a salvage operation was under way
  • the cargo saved from a wrecked or sunken ship: salvage taken from a ship that had sunk in the river
  • the rescue of property or material from potential loss or destruction: surgery resulted in the salvage of damaged myocardium
  • Law payment made or due to a person who has saved a ship or its cargo.

Derivatives

salvageable

adjective

salvager

noun

Origin:

mid 17th century (as a noun denoting payment for saving a ship or its cargo): from French, from medieval Latin salvagium, from Latin salvare 'to save'. The verb dates from the late 19th century