The term 'fulfills a need' can be defined as providing something that is necessary or desired. This could refer to a job, such as a doctor providing medical care, or a product, such as a car providing transportation. The crossword solution for this term is 'avails, ' which means to make something available or accessible. Therefore, the term 'fulfills a need' can be interpreted as making something available or accessible in order to meet a need or desire.