power-saving
|pow-er-sav-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˈpaʊərˌseɪvɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈpaʊəˌseɪvɪŋ/
reduce power use
Etymology
'power-saving' is a modern English compound formed from 'power' + 'saving'. 'Power' originates from Old French (Norman) 'poeir/pouvoir', ultimately from Latin 'posse'/'potere' meaning 'to be able; strength', and 'saving' comes from the present participle of 'save', which originates from Old French 'sauver' and Latin 'salvare' from 'salvus' meaning 'safe.'
The noun 'power' entered Middle English from Old French (e.g. 'poeir'/'povoir') and developed into the modern English 'power'. 'Save' came into English via Old French 'sauver' (from Latin 'salvare'), giving the participle 'saving'. In modern English these elements were combined as a compound adjective or noun (e.g. 'power-saving') in the 20th century with the rise of electrical appliances and energy-conservation discourse.
Initially, components referred to 'ability/strength' ('power') and 'making safe or preserving' ('save'); together as a compound they later came to mean specifically 'reducing or conserving electrical power' in technical and everyday contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an action, feature, or measure that reduces power consumption; the process of saving electrical power.
Implementing power-saving in the data center cut electricity costs significantly.
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Adjective 1
designed or intended to use less electrical power; reducing power consumption.
The phone has a power-saving mode to extend battery life.
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Last updated: 2025/09/04 22:40