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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 notes

In 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

Word forms

daemons plural

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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

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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.

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