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default

The current setting or action taken by hardware or software if the user has not specified otherwise. Application programs have numerous defaults that determine everything from the font size that should be used to the folder a file is saved in. A default also implies that the setting or action can be changed.

The term is also a verb. For example, in the expression "the program defaults to xxx," it means that the program does xxx under these circumstances unless directed to do otherwise.

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default

1. a failure to act, esp a failure to meet a financial obligation or to appear in a court of law at a time specified

2. judgment by default Law a judgment in the plaintiff's favour when the defendant fails to plead or to appear

3. Computing

a. the preset selection of an option offered by a system, which will always be followed except when explicitly altered

b. (as modifier): default setting

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default [di′fȯlt]

(computer science)

A value automatically used or an action automatically carried out unless another is specified.