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utility definition

util·ity (yo̵̅o̅ tilə tē)

noun pl. utilities -·ties

  1. the quality or property of being useful; usefulness
  2. something useful
    1. something useful to the public, esp. the service of electric power, gas, water, telephone, etc.
    2. a company or government agency providing such a service
    3. shares of stock in such a company
  3. Econ. the power to satisfy the needs or wants of humanity

Etymology: ME utilite < OFr utilité < L utilitas < utilis, utile

adjective

  1. serving or designed for practical use with little or no attention to beauty
  2. useful or used in a number of ways
  3. ☆ designating an auxiliary player who is able to substitute at any of several positions on a baseball team a utility infielder
  4. designating or of an inferior, usually dark, coarse grade of meat, lacking fat

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