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Salvaging: meaning, definitions and examples

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salvaging

 

[ ˈsæl.vɪ.dʒɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

rescue attempt

Salvaging refers to the act of rescuing or recovering something that is valuable from loss or destruction. This often occurs in contexts where items have been damaged, such as in shipwrecks or during disasters. The goal is to retrieve items, whether they are materials, possessions, or even vehicles, that can still hold worth. It can also apply more broadly to the recovery of ideas or efforts that have not succeeded.

Synonyms

recovering, rescuing, retrieving

Examples of usage

  • The crew was busy salvaging the cargo from the damaged ship.
  • They were salvaging old machinery to use for parts.
  • After the fire, the firefighters helped in salvaging what they could from the debris.

Word origin

The term "salvaging" originates from the Latin word 'salvare,' which means 'to save.' The transformation of the word through Middle English saw it being used in maritime contexts, particularly when referring to the recovery of goods from shipwrecks. Its evolution in meaning has allowed it to encompass a broader sense of recovery in various fields, including environmental, mechanical, and digital. Today, salvaging encapsulates not just the physical retrieval of items but also the metaphorical recovery of concepts or plans that might have been abandoned. Over time, as disasters—natural or man-made—increased, the term found relevance in disaster recovery operations, emphasizing the importance of saving and reusing valuable resources.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,786, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.