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Server Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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server

[ˈsəːvə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

computer

A server is a computer or computer program that manages access to a centralized resource or service in a network.

Synonyms

host, mainframe, node.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
server

Commonly used in everyday IT contexts to refer to a computer or system that provides data, resources, or services to other computers (clients).

  • The web server is down, so the website is currently inaccessible
  • We need more storage space on our email server
host

Used to describe a computer or system that hosts or runs services, websites, or virtual machines. Often used in web hosting or virtual environment contexts.

  • Our website is hosted on a dedicated server
  • The virtual machine runs on a cloud host
mainframe

Refers to powerful, large-scale computers used primarily by large organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing, and transaction processing.

  • The bank's transaction processing is managed by a mainframe
  • Mainframes handle massive amounts of data efficiently
node

Used in the context of networks and distributed systems to indicate a single machine or device in a network. Suitable in both computing and networking discussions.

  • A blockchain network consists of multiple nodes
  • Each node in the cluster is responsible for a specific task

Examples of usage

  • The server crashed, causing the website to go down.
  • The company uses a server to store all their important files.
Context #2 | Noun

restaurant

A server is a person who takes orders, serves food and drinks to customers in a restaurant.

Synonyms

waiter, waitress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
server

General term used to describe a person who serves food and drinks in a restaurant. It is gender-neutral and preferred in formal or professional settings.

  • The server brought our food promptly
  • We asked the server for the check
waiter

Used to describe a male person who serves food and drinks in a restaurant. It can be less formal than 'server' and is often used in everyday conversation.

  • The waiter took our order quickly
  • Can you call the waiter over here?
waitress

Used to describe a female person who serves food and drinks in a restaurant. Similar to 'waiter', it is less formal than 'server' and commonly used in casual conversation.

  • The waitress was very friendly
  • We left a good tip for the waitress

Examples of usage

  • The server recommended the special of the day.
  • I left a tip for our friendly server at the end of the meal.
Context #3 | Noun

sports

In sports, a server is a player who initiates play by serving the ball or puck to start a point.

Examples of usage

  • The tennis player has a powerful serve.
  • The volleyball server aced the opponent with a strong serve.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • There are many types of servers, such as web servers, database servers, and game servers, each serving specific tasks.
  • Cloud servers allow users to access their data and applications over the internet instead of on a personal computer.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'server' has been featured in many technology-themed TV shows and films, often depicting the backbone of the internet.
  • In gaming, dedicated servers enhance the experience by hosting multiplayer games, maintaining stability and performance.

Science

  • Servers can be physically housed in data centers, which are specially designed buildings that keep them cool and running efficiently.
  • The power consumption of servers contributes significantly to the overall energy use in the tech industry.

Psychology

  • Servers facilitate communication, supporting social interaction through online platforms, thus affecting our social behavior.
  • The concept of 'server-client' can represent relationships, where one party offers support or service to another, similar to social roles in real life.

Origin of 'server'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'server' comes from the Latin 'servire', which means 'to serve'.
  • It was first used in the context of computing in the early 1980s.

The word 'server' originated from the Old French word 'servir', which means 'to serve'. In the context of computing, the term 'server' was first used in the 1950s to refer to a centralized computer that provided services to other computers in a network. Over time, the concept of servers has evolved to encompass a wide range of functions in both computing and non-computing contexts.

See also: servant, serveware, service, serviette, servile, servility, servingware, subservience, subservient, subserviently.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,481 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.