maintenance

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The work of keeping a machine, building, or system in good condition.

   Regular maintenance keeps the engine running smoothly.

2. 2
   noun

   Money paid regularly to support a person or family, especially after a separation.

   The court ordered him to pay maintenance for his two children.

From Middle English mayntenaunce, from Old French maintenance, from maintenir, from Latin manus tenēre (“to hold in the hand”). By surface analysis, maintain + -ance. Note that maintain has undergone a sound and spelling change, hence is spelt with -tain-, rather than the -ten- still found in maintenance.

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