Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Conserve \Con*serve"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Conserved}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Conserving}.] [F. conserver, L. conservare; con- +
   servare to keep, guard. See {Serve}.]
   1. To keep in a safe or sound state; to save; to preserve; to
      protect.

            The amity which . . . they meant to conserve and
            maintain with the emperor.            --Strype.

   2. To prepare with sugar, etc., for the purpose of
      preservation, as fruits, etc.; to make a conserve of.

Source : WordNet®

conserving
     adj : saving from harm or loss; "serves a conserving function"
           [syn: {preserving}]