definition of
serve

[1] #1 serve v. [function] 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". wn

[2] #2 serve v. 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". wn

[3] #3 serve v. contribute or conduce to; "The scandal served to increase his popularity". wn

[4] #4 serve v. [service] be used by; as of a utility; "The sewage plant served the neighboring communities"; "The garage served to shelter his horses". wn

[5] #5 serve v. [help] help to some food; help with food or drink; "I served him three times, and after that he helped himself". wn