utility (redirected from usefulness)

utility, in economics: see value.

---

utility

(1) See utility program.

(2) Usefulness; fitness for a particular use. Utility is one of the six fundamental components of information security (see Parkerian Hexad). For example, if data are encrypted and the decryption key is unavailable, the breach of security is in the lack of utility of the data (they are still confidential, possessed, integral, authentic and available).

---

utility

1. 

a. a public service, such as the bus system; public utility

b. (as modifier): utility vehicle

2. Economics

a. the ability of a commodity to satisfy human wants

b. the amount of such satisfaction

3. Austral and NZ a small truck with an open body and low sides, often with a removable tarpaulin cover; pick-up

4. a piece of computer software designed for a routine task, such as examining or copying files

---

utility [yü′til·əd·ē]

(engineering)

One of the nonprocess (support) facilities for a manufacturing plant; usually considered as facilities for steam, cooling water, deionized water, electric power, refrigeration, compressed and instrument air, and effluent treatment.

---

public utility

A public service such as water, gas, electricity, telephone, sewers, etc.