service

noun

1》 the action or process of serving.

    ↘an act of assistance.

    ↘a period of employment with a company or organization: he retired after 40 years' service.

    ↘(often in phrs in or out of service) use for a particular purpose.

    ↘(often in phr. in service) employment as a servant.

2》 a system supplying a public need such as transport, or utilities such as electricity and water.

    ↘a public department or organization run by the state: the probation service.

    ↘(the services) the armed forces.

    ↘(services) Brit. a motorway service area.

3》 a ceremony of religious worship according to a prescribed form.

4》 a set of matching crockery used for serving a particular meal.

5》 (in tennis, badminton, etc.) a serve.

6》 a periodic routine inspection and maintenance of a vehicle or other machine.

verb

1》 perform routine maintenance or repair work on (a vehicle or machine).

    ↘provide a service or services for.

2》 pay interest on (a debt).

3》 (of a male animal) mate with (a female animal).

Phrases

be at someone's service be ready to assist someone whenever required.

be of service be available to assist someone.

Origin

OE, from OFr. servise or L. servitium 'slavery', from servus 'slave'.