(v)serve, functionserve 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”
(v)servedo 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”
(v)serve, serve up, dish out, dish up, dishprovide (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”
(v)servedevote (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”
(v)serve, serve wellpromote, 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 country well”
(v)serve, attend to, wait on, attend, assistwork 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”
(v)suffice, do, answer, servebe 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”