utility

service public

Service de base fourni aux bâtiments, comme l’eau, le gaz ou l’électricité.

En anglais simple : A basic service supplied to buildings, such as water, gas, or electricity.

• Our rent includes utilities.
• Electricity is an essential public utility.
• How much do you spend on utilities each month?

Synonymes : public service

Expressions courantes : public utility, essential utility, utility costs

utilitaire

Petit programme qui aide à effectuer une tâche, comme copier des fichiers ou configurer du matériel.

En anglais simple : A small computer program that helps you do a task, such as copying files or setting up equipment.

• This utility copies your files.
• I installed a utility to check the disk.
• Which utility can help me set up my printer?

Synonymes : tool, utility program

Expressions courantes : backup utility, disk utility, install a utility, system utility

utilité

Le fait d’être utile ou la valeur pratique d’une chose.

En anglais simple : How useful something is, or the practical value it has.

• This tool has little utility.
• The design combines beauty with practical utility.
• Researchers assessed the utility of the new method.

Comment l'utiliser : the utility of something (We questioned the utility of the new rule.)

Synonymes : usefulness, practical value

Contraires : uselessness

Expressions courantes : practical utility, limited utility, utility of something

utilitaire, application

Programme informatique utilisé pour des tâches pratiques ou créatives plutôt que pour jouer.

En anglais simple : A computer program used for practical or creative work, rather than for playing games.

• This graphics utility is free.
• She uses a music utility to edit her recordings.
• The package includes games and several creative utilities.

Synonymes : application, program, tool

Expressions courantes : graphics utility, music utility, useful utility

de services publics

Qui concerne une entreprise fournissant de l’eau, du gaz ou de l’électricité.

En anglais simple : Connected with a company that supplies water, gas, or electricity.

• The utility bill arrived today.
• Workers repaired a damaged utility line.
• Which utility company supplies your electricity?

Synonymes : usefulness, value, advantages, benefit

Expressions courantes : utility bill, utility company, utility line, utility pole

technique, de service

Destiné à accueillir ou faire passer les tuyaux, câbles ou équipements de chauffage et autres services essentiels d’un bâtiment.

En anglais simple : Used to hold or carry a building's pipes, wires, or equipment for heating and other basic services.

• The boiler is in the utility room.
• Pipes run through a narrow utility corridor.
• Leave enough utility space for the water tank.

Synonymes : service

Expressions courantes : utility room, utility corridor, utility space, utility shaft