Dictionary
main•te•nance
Pronunciation: (mān'tu-nuns), [key]—
n.
1. the act of maintaining.
2. the state of being maintained:
the maintenance of friendly relations with England.
3. care or upkeep, as of machinery or property:
With proper maintenance the car will last for many years.
4. means of upkeep, support, or subsistence; livelihood:
to provide a comfortable maintenance.
5. alimony or child support.
6. Law.an officious meddling in a suit in which the meddler has no interest, by assisting either party with means to prosecute or defend it.
—
adj.
Pharm., Psychiatry.administered to sustain a desired physiological or mental condition:
maintenance dose. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.