Reutilizing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Using an item or resource more than once, often by adapting it to serve the same or a new role
2. The process of employing objects or materials repeatedly to conserve resources or reduce waste
3. Applying a product or material multiple times to extend its life or function, either unchanged or in a modified way

Etymology: "Reutilizing" is the present participle of "reutilize," and it is a plain formation: the prefix "re-," meaning again, attached to "utilize," meaning to put something to practical use. Nothing about it is hidden or disputed, so the history is simply that of its two parts. "Utilize" was itself formed in English from the Latin "utilis," meaning useful, which comes from "uti," to use. The "re-" prefix, from Latin "re-" meaning back or again, reached English through Old French and Middle English, and it is productive enough that English speakers attach it freely to verbs like this one. The result is a word meaning to use something once more after it has already been used, often in the context of recycling or repurposing materials.

Synonyms: recycling, repurposing, resuing, recovering, conserving

Antonyms: wasting, discarding, throwing away, neglecting, squandering