utility program
1
3.8
- noun
- /juːˈtɪləti ˈprɒɡræm/
- Specialized
:
programa de utilidad
- Utility programs, however, generally measure free rider fractions by looking only at current penetration levels absent utility subsidies.
Examples
-
Many computer users rely on a utility program for virus scanning to protect their data.
-
This is typical of many utility programs.
Academic text (1992) -
Our results imply higher and more variable costs for similar utility programs.
Academic text (1992) -
These costs and the associated energy savings would be incurred with or without the utility program.
Academic text (1992) -
Adobe said the attackers signed at least two malicious utility programs with a valid Adobe certificate.
Blog text (28) -
You can install a utility program to help organize your files more efficiently.
-
The new utility program simplifies the process of managing software updates on your system.
Synonyms
49
4.4
A computer program that does a simple system task
2
4.2
A piece of software that runs in the background to help other apps or the system
A small computer program that does one simple task
A small program that does a common task other programs can use
How Complex
- Specialized
5
3.2
- Specialized
326
3.9
- Specialized
1
3.8
- Specialized
70
3.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase is compositionally built: 'utility' (useful/support function) modifies 'program' (a set of coded instructions), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a program that performs helpful/supporting tasks. This compositional pattern is common in computing vocabulary and has close parallels in other languages, making the meaning readily understandable.
Etymology
Utility program comes from utility, a word for something useful, and program, a computer tool. These small programs do simple 'help' jobs for the computer, like cleaning files or scanning for viruses. So, the name means 'a helper program'.