server

American  

[sur-ver] / ˈsɜr vər /

noun

1. a person who serves.

2. a person who waits on tables; a waiter or waitress.

3. something that serves or is used in serving, as a salver.

4. a broad fork, spoon, or spatula for dishing out and serving individual portions of food, as vegetables, cake, or pie.

5. Also called altar server.  Ecclesiastical.  an attendant on the priest at Mass, who arranges the altar, makes the responses, etc.

6. (in tennis, badminton, handball, etc.) the player who puts the ball or shuttlecock in play.

7. Computers.  a computer that makes services, as access to data files, programs, and peripheral devices, available to workstations on a network.

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server British  

/ ˈsɜːvə /

noun

1. a person who serves

2. RC Church a person who acts as acolyte or assists the priest at Mass

3. something that is used in serving food and drink

4. the player who serves in racket games

5. computing a computer or program that supplies data or resources to other machines on a network

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server Scientific  

/ sûr′vər /

1. A computer that manages centralized data storage or network communications resources. A server provides and organizes access to these resources for other computers linked to it.

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server Cultural  

1. Computer or software that performs administration or coordination functions within a network.

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Etymology

Origin of server

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; serve + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

If you’re overseas and trying to stream your favorite Netflix show, you can use a U.S.-based server to make it appear as though you are still located in the United States.

From Salon

The platform says it uses Meta's servers to store encrypted messages while they are being delivered but deletes them once this is done, and has refused to hand them over to governments.

From Barron's

Some data in the affected computers, along with personal information stored in the hacked servers, were also exposed, said Asahi.

From BBC

You do that by connecting your device to a VPN server.

From Salon

Artificial intelligence is driving demand for Dell’s computers and servers for artificial intelligence, but raising costs and reducing printer sales for HP.

From Barron's

Related Words

• flight attendant
• hostess
• stewardess
• waiter
• waitress