SERVICE

n. (in full service tree) a European tree of the genus Sorbus, esp. S. domestica with toothed leaves, cream-coloured flowers, and small round or pear-shaped fruit eaten when overripe. øservice-berry 1 the fruit of the service tree. 2 a any American shrub of the genus Amelanchier. b the edible fruit of this. [earlier serves, pl. of obs. serve f. OE syrfe f. Gmc surbhjon ult. f. L sorbus]