maintainability

main·tain  (mn-tn)

tr.v. main·tained, main·tain·ing, main·tains

1. To keep up or carry on; continue: maintain good relations.

2. To keep in an existing state; preserve or retain: maintain one's composure.

3. To keep in a condition of good repair or efficiency: maintain two cars.

4.

a. To provide for; support: maintain a family.

b. To keep in existence; sustain: enough food to maintain life.

5. To defend or hold against criticism or attack: maintained his stand on taxes.

6. To declare to be true; affirm: maintained her innocence.

7. To adhere or conform to; keep: maintain a busy schedule.

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[Middle English maintainen, from Old French maintenir, from Medieval Latin manutenre, from Latin man tenre, to hold in the hand : man, ablative of manus, hand; see man-² in Indo-European roots + tenre, to hold; see ten- in Indo-European roots.]

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main·taina·bili·ty n.

main·taina·ble adj.

main·tainer n.

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The ability of an item, under stated conditions of use, to be retained in or restored to a state in which it can perform its required functions, when maintenance is performed under stated conditions and using prescribed procedures and resources.