Entry Word: reserve

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 the checking of oneʼs true feelings and impulses when dealing with others <the salesclerk showed great reserve in dealing with the unreasonable demands of the angry customer> — see constraint 1
2 a collection of things kept available for future use or need <our fuel reserves are low> — see store
3 a person or thing that takes the place of another <when the first platoon fell back in retreat, the commander sent out the reserves to try to hold the line of battle> — see substitute
4 an interchangeable part or piece of equipment that is kept on hand for replacement of an original <donʼt throw that extra bike chain away, as I want to keep it as a reserve in case the current one breaks> — see spare