Sustains

/səˈsteɪnz/ verb

Definition

keeps something going or supports it; provides what is needed to maintain.

Etymology

From Latin 'sustinere,' meaning 'to hold up' or 'to support.' The prefix 'sus-' means under, and 'tinere' means to hold, literally 'to hold up from underneath.'

Kelly Says

Trees sustain themselves through photosynthesis, but they also sustain entire ecosystems—a single oak can support 2,000 different species, making these quiet giants the backbone of forest life.

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