service
 ser·vice (sûrʹvĭs)n.
1.
a. Employment in duties or work for another, as for a government:
has been in the company's service for 15 years.
b. A government branch or department and its employees:
the diplomatic service.
2.
a. The armed forces of a nation:
joined the service right after college.
b. A branch of the armed forces of a nation.
3. The performance of work or duties for a superior or as a servant:
found the butler's service to be excellent.
4.
a. Work done for others as an occupation or business:
has done service for us as a consultant.
b. An act or a variety of work done for others, especially for pay:
offers a superior service to that of his competitors; provides full catering services.
5. A department or branch of a hospital staff that provides specified patient care:
the anesthesiology service.
6. Installation, maintenance, or repairs provided or guaranteed by a dealer or manufacturer:
a dealer with full parts and service.
7. A facility providing the public with the use of something, such as water or transportation.
8.
a. Assistance; help:
was of great service to him during his illness.
b. An act of assistance or benefit; a favor:
My friend did me a service in fixing the door.
9.
a. Active devotion to God, as through good works or prayer.
b. A religious rite.
10.
a. The serving of food or the manner in which it is served.
b. A set of dishes or utensils:
a silver tea service.
11. Sports. The act, manner, or right of serving in many court games; a serve.
12. Copulation with a female animal. Used of male animals, especially studs.
13. Law. The serving of a writ or summons.
14. The material, such as cord, used in binding or wrapping rope.
15. An answering service.tr.v. ser·viced, ser·vic·ing, ser·vic·es
1. To make fit for use; adjust, repair, or maintain:
service a car.
2. To provide services to.
3. To make interest payments on (a debt).
4.
a. To copulate with (a female animal). Used of a male animal, especially studs.
b. Slang. To have sex with.adj.
1. Of or relating to the armed forces of a country.
2. Intended for use in supplying or serving:
a service elevator; the service entrance.
3. Offering repairs or maintenance:
a service guarantee; a road service area.
4. Offering services to the public in response to need or demand:
a service industry.Idioms:at (someone's) service
Ready to help or be of use.be of service
To be ready to help or be useful. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin servitium, slavery, from servus, slave.]
Usage Note: Aside from specialized senses in finance (service a debt) and animal breeding (service a mare), the verb service is used principally in the sense “to repair or maintain”: service the washing machine. In the sense “to supply goods or services to,” serve is the correct choice: One radio network serves three states.
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