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utility
Utility is defined as something that is useful to someone or to the general public.
(noun)An example of utility is the gas and electric company.
The definition of utility is something that is practical or has many uses.
(adjective)An example of utility is a mulit-function pocket knife.
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See utility in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun pl. utilities
- the quality or property of being useful; usefulness
- something useful
- something useful to the public, esp. the service of electric power, gas, water, telephone, etc.
- a company or government agency providing such a service
- shares of stock in such a company
- Econ. the power to satisfy the needs or wants of humanity
Origin: ME utilite < OFr utilité < L utilitas < utilis, utile
adjective
- serving or designed for practical use with little or no attention to beauty
- useful or used in a number of ways
- ☆ designating an auxiliary player who is able to substitute at any of several positions on a baseball team: a utility infielder
- designating or of an inferior, usually dark, coarse grade of meat, lacking fat
See utility in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun pl. u·til·i·ties
- The quality or condition of being useful; usefulness: “I have always doubted the utility of these conferences on disarmament” (Winston S. Churchill).
- A useful article or device.
- a. A public utility.b. A commodity or service, such as electricity, water, or public transportation, that is provided by a public utility.
- Computer Science A utility program.
- Used, serving, or working in several capacities as needed, especially:a. Prepared to play any of the smaller theatrical roles on short notice: a utility cast member.b. Capable of playing as a substitute in any of several positions: a utility infielder.
- Designed for various often heavy-duty practical uses: a utility knife; a utility vehicle.
- Raised or kept for the production of a farm product rather than for show or as pets: utility livestock.
- Of the lowest U.S. Government grade: utility beef.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English utilite
Origin: , from Old French
Origin: , from Latin ūtilitās
Origin: , from ūtilis, useful
Origin: , from ūtī, to use
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