The word "service" generally refers to the action of helping or doing work for someone. It can also denote the system by which a public service, such as transportation or utilities, operates to serve the community. In a business context, service can mean the assistance provided to customers or the work done to help facilitate a task or fulfill a need.
The word "service" comes from the Latin word "servitium," which means "slavery, servitude." The root word "serv" means "to serve." This transitioned through Old French "servise" before arriving in Middle English as "service."