ETYM Old Eng. utilite, French utilité, Latin utilitas, from utilis useful. Related to Utile.
1. The quality of being of practical use; SYN. usefulness.
2. A company that performs a public service; subject to government regulation; SYN. public utility, public-service corporation.
3. A unit 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 light or water or sewage disposal.
4. The service provided by a utility company.

A program designed to perform a particular function; the term usually refers to software that solves narrowly focused problems or those related to computer system management. See also application.

1. Capable of substituting in any of several positions on a team; SYN. substitute.
2. Used of beef; usable but inferior; SYN. utility-grade.