noun
daemon
DEE-muhn
Daemon (noun) means In computing, a background program that runs without direct user control, handling ongoing tasks. Example: “The print daemon automatically manages jobs sent to the printer.”
noun
1
In computing, a background program that runs without direct user control, handling ongoing tasks.
"The print daemon automatically manages jobs sent to the printer."
"A daemon runs continuously in the background of a server, waiting for requests."
How to use daemon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA background computer process that keeps running and responding to events without a user actively watching it.
Common mistake
Pronounced the same as "demon," but spelled differently and used only in a technical/computing sense.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- daemons
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The print _____ automatically manages jobs sent to the printer.
Etymology
Named after Maxwell's demon, a thought experiment in physics — the popular idea that it stands for "disk and execution monitor" is a later, invented backronym.
Related words
Rhymes for daemon
See all rhymes for daemon →Frequently asked questions
What does “daemon” mean?
The word “daemon” means in computing, a background program that runs without direct user control, handling ongoing tasks. In plain terms, a background computer process that keeps running and responding to events without a user actively watching it.
How do you pronounce “daemon”?
“Daemon” is pronounced DEE-muhn (/ˈdiːmən/ in IPA).
How do you use “daemon” in a sentence?
Here is “daemon” used in a sentence: “The print daemon automatically manages jobs sent to the printer.”
What part of speech is “daemon”?
“Daemon” is a noun.
