noun
utility
A small program that performs a specific computer task.
This utility removes temporary files to free up disk space.
Etymology
Computing adopts the practical-usefulness sense for software performing a focused supporting task. A utility serves a particular operational need.
More examples
- I use a backup utility to copy my files every night.
- The operating system includes several utilities for checking network connections.
- This free utility converts image files to a different format.
Forms
utility · utilities