utility

(noun) a company that performs a public service; subject to government regulation. Synonyms: public utility, public utility company, public-service corporation.

(noun) the quality of being of practical use. Synonyms: usefulness.

(noun) the service (electric power or water or transportation) provided by a public utility. Examples: "The cost of utilities never decreases." "All the utilities were lost after the hurricane."

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

(noun) (computer science) a program designed for general support of the processes of a computer. Synonyms: utility program, service program. Example: "A computer system provides utility programs to perform the tasks needed by most users."

(noun) 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. Example: "The price of the house included all utilities."

(adj) used of beef; usable but inferior. Synonyms: utility(prenominal), utility-grade.

(adj) capable of substituting in any of several positions on a team. Synonyms: utility(prenominal), substitute(prenominal). Example: "A utility infielder."