serve
     n : (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play; "his powerful
         serves won the game" [syn: {service}]
     v 1: serve a purpose, role, or function; "The tree stump serves
          as a table"; "The female students served as a control
          group"; "This table would serve very well"; "His freedom
          served him well"; "The table functions as a desk" [syn:
          {function}]
     2: do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function; "He
        served as head of the department for three years"; "She
        served in Congress for two terms"
     3: contribute or conduce to; "The scandal served to increase
        his popularity"
     4: be used by; as of a utility; "The sewage plant served the
        neighboring communities"; "The garage served to shelter
        his horses" [syn: {service}]
     5: help to some food; help with food or drink; "I served him
        three times, and after that he helped himself" [syn: {help}]
     6: provide (usually but not necessarily food); "We serve meals
        for the homeless"; "She dished out the soup at 8 P.M.";
        "The entertainers served up a lively show" [syn: {serve up},
         {dish out}, {dish up}, {dish}]
     7: devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries,
        institutions, or ideas; "She served the art of music"; "He
        served the church"; "serve the country"
     8: promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to; "Art serves
        commerce"; "Their interests are served"; "The lake serves
        recreation"; "The President's wisdom has served the
        counrty well" [syn: {serve well}]
     9: spend time in prison or in a labor camp; "He did six years
        for embezzlement" [syn: {do}]
     10: work for or be a servant to; "May I serve you?"; "She
         attends the old lady in the wheelchair"; "Can you wait on
         our table, please?"; "Is a salesperson assisting you?";
         "The minister served the King for many years" [syn: {attend
         to}, {wait on}, {attend}, {assist}]
     11: deliver a warrant or summons to someone; "He was processed
         by the sheriff" [syn: {process}, {swear out}]
     12: be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity;
         "A few words would answer"; "This car suits my purpose
         well"; "Will $100 do?"; "A 'B' grade doesn't suffice to
         get me into medical school"; "Nothing else will serve"
         [syn: {suffice}, {do}, {answer}]
     13: do military service; "She served in Vietnam"; "My sons never
         served, because they are short-sighted"
     14: mate with; "male animals serve the females for breeding
         purposes" [syn: {service}]
     15: put the ball into play; "It was Agassi's turn to serve"
Source: WordNet® 2.0