preservation-n; 3 Senses

Sense Number 1: the intentional maintenance of a sound or good condition of something

Commentary: PRESERVATION[+activity][+intentional][+maintaining][+condition][+sound]

Examples:
She has worked hard on behalf of the preservation of the city's green spaces.
The preservation of their way of life is endangered by these developments.
The captain's aim was the preservation of his passengers from harm.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 4

Sense Number 2: a relative condition of physical soundness

Commentary: PRESERVATION[+state][+physical][+condition][+relative][+of_soundness]

Examples:
The old mansion is in a state of excellent preservation.
We were dismayed at the poor preservation of the manuscript.
The dry climate contributed significantly to the preservation of the Egyptian mummies. (the state they are currently in)

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 3: a process to prevent decay of organic substances

Commentary: PRESERVATION[+event][+process][+prevention][+decay][+of_substance][+organic]

Examples:
Canning and pickling are both techniques for the preservation of food.
They built a smokehouse behind the cabin for the preservation of meat.
The preservation of fresh fish was achieved by storing them in layers of salt.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3