utility Meaning and Definition

1. n. the service (electric power or water or transportation) provided by a public utility

2. n. a facility composed of one or more pieces of equipment connected to or part of a structure and designed to provide a service such as heat or electricity or water or sewage disposal

3. n. the quality of being of practical use

4. n. (computer science) a program designed for general support of the processes of a computer

5. n. a company that performs a public service; subject to government regulation

6. n. (economics) a measure that is to be maximized in any situation involving choice

7. s. capable of substituting in any of several positions on a team

8. s. used of beef; usable but inferior