An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

General: Something that serves or is used in serving.
Computers: A computer software application that carries out some task on behalf of users. When users connect to a server, they can access programs, files, and other information from the server. Common servers are Web, mail, and database servers. A single computer can have several different server programs running on it.

Etymology (EN): Server, agent noun from serve, from M.E. serven, from O.Fr. servir “to serve,” from L. servire “to serve,” originally “be a slave,” related to servus “slave;” cognate with Av. har- “to guard, watch,” harətar- “guardian,” hāra- “caring for;” Mid./Mod.Pers. zinhâr “protection, security; beware! mind!”

Etymology (PE): Zâvar “attendant, servant” (Dehxodâ), zâvari “attendance, service” (Dehxodâ), maybe related to Skt. sev- “to attend upon, serve,” sevā- “service, attendance, worship,” sevati “serves, attends,” sevaka- “attendant, servant, follower.”