preservation from decay; antisepsis; embalmment
Refers to preventing decay, rot, or bacterial growth, especially in food, wood, or corpses. Often used in compounds like 防腐剤 (preservative) or 防腐処理 (preservative treatment).
Preservatives are sometimes used in food.
木材の防腐処理は重要だ。
Preservative treatment of wood is important.
antiseptic · preservative
Compound of 防 (prevent) and 腐 (decay). The reading is on'yomi (ぼう + ふ).