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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Server Meaning: Computer & Waiter Definitions (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：central computer providing data to others (server)

server 🔊

/ˈsɜːrvər/

A powerful computer that stores data and runs programs for other computers, like a digital waiter.

Server computer in data center with blinking LED lights

central computer providing data to others 🔊

➕

/ˈsɛntrəl kəmˈpjuːtər prəˈvaɪdɪŋ ˈdeɪtə tuː ˈʌðərz/

A computer or system that manages network resources and provides services to other computers (clients) over a network.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'serve' + '-er', meaning one who serves.

💡 Mnemonic

A waiter (server) brings food; a computer server brings data.

📖 Example

I need to save the files on the company's main server so the whole team can access them. 🔊 I need to save the files on the company's main server so the whole team can access them.

🔗 Collocations

file server – A server dedicated to storing and managing files for network users.

server room – A room or building where computer servers are housed.

server administrator – A person responsible for maintaining and operating a server.

🔄 Synonyms

host (n.) – A computer that provides services to other computers on a network.

mainframe (n.) – A large, powerful computer that can handle many tasks for many users simultaneously.

data center (n.) – A facility that houses multiple servers and associated equipment.

🚫 Antonyms

client (n.) – A computer or program that requests services from a server.

🌱 Derivatives

servlet (n.) – A small server-side program in Java.

serverless (adj.) – A cloud computing model where the provider manages the server infrastructure.

📖 Cultural Story

The computer sense emerged in the 1990s as client-server architecture became standard in networking, borrowing the waiter metaphor for digital service providers.

Meaning 2：waiter or waitress (server)

server 🔊

/ˈsɜːrvər/

A person who takes orders and brings food to customers in a restaurant.

Restaurant server holding tray with food and drink

waiter or waitress 🔊

➕

/ˈweɪtər ɔːr ˈweɪtrɪs/

A person who takes orders and serves food and drinks to customers at a restaurant.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Our server was very attentive and refilled our water glasses promptly. 🔊 Our server was very attentive and refilled our water glasses promptly.

🔗 Collocations

food server – A person who serves food in a restaurant.

head server – The lead server in charge of a section or shift.

server tips – Gratuity given to a server for their service.

🔄 Synonyms

waiter (n.) – A man who serves food and drink at a restaurant table.

waitress (n.) – A woman who serves food and drink at a restaurant table.

attendant (n.) – A person who provides a service, especially in a formal setting.

🚫 Antonyms

customer (n.) – A person who buys goods or services from a restaurant.

🌱 Derivatives

serving (n.) – The action of providing food or drink to customers.

servery (n.) – A place where food is served, such as a cafeteria counter.