main·te·nance 
/ˈmeɪntənəns/ noun
/ˈmeɪntənəns/ noun [noncount] 1 : the act of maintaining something or someone: such as a : the act of keeping property or equipment in good condition by making repairs, correcting problems, etc.
▪ The building has suffered from years of poor maintenance. ▪ the costs of routine car maintenance — often used before another noun ▪ a maintenance worker [=a worker whose job is to keep property or equipment in good condition] ▪ a maintenance fee ▪ She works in the company's maintenance department.
b : the act of causing something to exist or continue without changing
▪ maintenance of law and order
c : the act of providing support for someone or something
▪ money for the family's maintenance 2 Brit : child support
▪ The building has suffered from years of poor maintenance. ▪ the costs of routine car maintenance — often used before another noun ▪ a maintenance worker [=a worker whose job is to keep property or equipment in good condition] ▪ a maintenance fee ▪ She works in the company's maintenance department.
b : the act of causing something to exist or continue without changing
▪ maintenance of law and order
c : the act of providing support for someone or something
▪ money for the family's maintenance
