server
UK: ˈsɜːvə | US: ˈsɜːrvər
n. a person or device that provides a service or resource (e.g., a computer server)
n. a person who serves food or drinks (e.g., a restaurant server)
n. (sports) a player who initiates play by serving (e.g., in tennis or volleyball)
The word "server" derives from the verb "serve," which originates from the Latin servire (to be a slave or to perform duties). The suffix "-er" (from Old English -ere) denotes an agent or tool performing an action. Over time, "server" evolved to describe both human roles (e.g., waitstaff) and technological functions (e.g., computer systems that "serve" data). The dual meaning reflects the word's adaptability to both service-oriented and technical contexts.
The restaurant server brought our meals promptly.
A web server hosts websites and delivers content to users.
She is the best server on the volleyball team.
The file server crashed, disrupting office operations.
The bartender and server worked together to handle the busy crowd.