Sentence:  On the other hand , even when the binomial model does not describe well the physical phenomenon being studied , the binomial model may still be <WSD>used</WSD> as a baseline for comparative purposes ; that is , we may discuss the phenomenon in terms of its departures from the binomial model . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose