conservation

Everyday

1. Protecting nature — animals, plants, forests, seas — so it is not damaged or lost. tree →
2. Using something carefully so that less is wasted: «water conservation», «energy conservation». tree →
3. Looking after old buildings, paintings and objects so they last. tree →
4. (science) The rule that some amounts stay the same in a closed system, such as «conservation of energy» or «conservation of mass». tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography lessons: conservation of habitats, endangered animals, rainforests and oceans; saving water and electricity at home. In maths and science for older pupils: «conservation of mass» means that when ice melts or things mix, the total mass stays the same. In everyday life: conservation areas, national parks, museum conservation. Phrases: «wildlife conservation», «conservation area», «conservation project», «water conservation».

Examples

• Conservation helps save tigers and turtles from dying out. tree →
• Our class joined a conservation project to plant trees by the river. tree →
• Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth is water conservation. tree →
• The old mill is in a conservation area, so it cannot be knocked down. tree →
• Experts worked on the conservation of the old painting. tree →
• Conservation of energy means energy is never lost, only changed into another form. tree →
• The ranger told us about koala conservation in the bush. tree →
• When the ice melted, the mass was the same — that shows conservation of mass. tree →

Note

Mostly uncountable. Related words: «conserve» (verb), «conservationist» (a person who works to protect nature). Do not confuse with «conversation» (talking) — the letters r and v swap places — or with «conservative» (wanting things to stay the same; also a political party).