Meaning & use
daemon
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A background computer program that runs continuously and performs tasks without direct user interaction, or, in Greek mythology and some literature, a spirit or supernatural being.
See it in a sentence
The server's backup daemon runs automatically every night at midnight.
In ancient Greek belief, a daemon was often seen as a guiding or protective spirit rather than an evil force.
A note on using this word
Pronounced the same as 'demon' but spelled differently; in computing it has a neutral, technical meaning unrelated to anything sinister.
Another way to use it
2. noun
In Greek mythology and some literary works, a supernatural being or spirit, often a guiding or intermediary force between gods and humans.
The philosopher claimed to be guided by an inner daemon that warned him against certain actions.
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