'color-preserving' originates from the combination of 'color' and 'preserve,' where 'color' refers to the visual perception of different wavelengths of light, and 'preserve' means to maintain or keep something in its original state.

'color-preserving' evolved from the need to describe materials or processes that maintain their original color over time.

Initially, it meant 'keeping the original color,' and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.