Säilitav

Säilitav is an Estonian adjective derived from the verb säilitama, meaning to preserve or keep. The suffix -atav forms a present participle that characterizes something as capable of being preserved or stored. In practice, säilitav is used in contexts where preservation conditions, durability, or the potential for long-term retention are relevant, such as archival work, conservation, food storage, or data management.

Grammatically, säilitav functions as an ordinary Estonian adjective: it can modify a noun and agree with it in number and case. A closely related form is the past participle säilitatud, meaning “preserved.” The noun säilitamine denotes the act or process of preservation, which provides a basis for related technical expressions and terminology.

In usage, säilitav appears mainly in more formal or technical language. It may appear in phrases describing materials, conditions, or systems that are suitable for preservation, retention, or long-term storage. For example, a document or material described as säilitav indicates that it is suitable for continued preservation under appropriate procedures.

Etymology: säilitav comes from säilitama, with the participial suffix -atav, signaling potential or capability. Related terms include säilitamine (preservation) and säilitus (storage or preservation process), which help form a small family of words around preservation in Estonian.