verb
(transitive, often reflexive) To turn to the advantage of. [(chiefly) with of]
(transitive) To be of service to.
(transitive) To promote; to assist.
(intransitive) To be of use or advantage; to answer or serve the purpose; to have strength, force, or efficacy sufficient to accomplish the object.
(India, Africa, elsewhere proscribed) To provide; to make available.
(India, Africa, elsewhere proscribed) To use or take advantage of (an opportunity or resource).
noun
Effect in achieving a goal or aim; purpose, use (now usually in negative constructions).
(now only US) Proceeds; profits from business transactions.
(television, advertising) An advertising slot or package.
(US, politics, journalism) A press avail.
(British, acting) Non-binding notice of availability for work.
(oil industry) A readily available stock of oil.
(obsolete) Benefit; value, profit; advantage toward success.
(obsolete, poetic) Effort; striving.
adjective
(colloquial) Clipping of available.