/yooh til"i tee/ , n. , pl. utilities , adj.
n.
1. the state or quality of being useful; usefulness: This chemical has no utility as an agricultural fertilizer.
2. something useful; a useful thing.
3. a public service, as a telephone or electric-light system, a streetcar or railroad line, or the like. Cf. public utility (def. 1).
4. Often, utilities . a useful or advantageous factor or feature: the relative utilities of a religious or a secular education.
5. Econ. the capacity of a commodity or a service to satisfy some human want.
6. the principle and end of utilitarian ethics; well-being or happiness; that which is conducive to the happiness and well-being of the greatest number.
7. Computers. See utility program .
8. utilities , stocks or bonds of public utilities.
9. a grade of beef immediately below commercial.
adj.
10. (of domestic animals) raised or kept as a potentially profitable product rather than for show or as pets: utility breeds; utility livestock.
11. having or made for a number of useful or practical purposes rather than a single, specialized one: a utility knife.
12. designed chiefly for use or service rather than beauty, high quality, or the like: a utility vehicle; utility furniture.
[ 1350-1400; ME utilite utelite utilitas, equiv. to util ( is ) useful (see UTILE) + -itas -ITY ]