<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the act of maintaining: the maintenance of proper oral hygiene.</li><li>the state of being maintained: the maintenance of friendly relations with England.</li><li>care or upkeep, as of machinery or property: With proper maintenance the car will last for many years.</li><li>means of upkeep, support, or subsistence; livelihood: to provide a comfortable maintenance.</li><li>alimony or child support.</li><li>Law: an officious meddling in a suit in which the meddler has no interest, by assisting either party with means to prosecute or defend it.</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>Pharmacology, Psychiatry: administered to sustain a desired physiological or mental condition: maintenance dose.</li></ul>