the act of keeping something the same or of preventing it from being damaged

building preservation 建筑物维护

wood preservation 木材防腐

There is great public concern about some of the chemicals used in food preservation. 公众对一些用于食物保藏的化学物表示极为担忧。

The church is in a poor state of preservation (= has not been kept in good condition). 这所大教堂保养得很差。

The president has said that the government is committed to the preservation (= protection) of the country's national interests. 总统称政府正致力于维护国家的民族利益。

She belongs to the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites 她是内战旧址保护协会的会员。