Main Entry:

¹ser·vice

Pronunciation:

\ˈsər-vəs\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French servise, from Latin servitium condition of a slave, body of slaves, from servus slave

Date:

13th century

1 a: the occupation or function of serving <in active service> b: employment as a servant <entered his service>2 a: the work performed by one that serves <good service> b: help, use, benefit <glad to be of service> c: contribution to the welfare of others d: disposal for use <I'm entirely at your service>3 a: a form followed in worship or in a religious ceremony <the burial service> b: a meeting for worship —often used in plural <held evening services>4: the act of serving: as a: a helpful act <did him a service> b: useful labor that does not produce a tangible commodity —usually used in plural <charge for professional services> c: serve 5: a set of articles for a particular use <a silver tea service>6 a: an administrative division (as of a government or business) <the consular service> b: one of a nation's military forces (as the army or navy)7 a: a facility supplying some public demand <telephone service> <bus service> b: a facility providing maintenance and repair <television service>8: the materials (as spun yarn, small lines, or canvas) used for serving a rope9: the act of bringing a legal writ, process, or summons to notice as prescribed by law10: the act of a male animal copulating with a female animal11: a branch of a hospital medical staff devoted to a particular specialty <obstetrical service>