Main Entry: re·claim

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈklām\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English reclamen, from Anglo-French reclamer, from Latin reclamare to cry out, protest, from re- + clamare to cry out — more at claim

Date: 14th century

1 a : to recall from wrong or improper conduct : reform b : tame, subdue
2 a : to rescue from an undesirable state; also : to restore to a previous natural state <reclaim mining sites> b : to make available for human use by changing natural conditions <reclaim swampland>
3 : to obtain from a waste product or by-product : recover <reclaimed plastic>
4 a : to demand or obtain the return of b : to regain possession of

synonyms see rescue

— re·claim·able \-ˈklā-mə-bəl\ adjective