usr

u-s-r · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (Computing) A standard directory in Unix and Unix-like operating systems that contains user binaries, libraries, documentation, and source code.

  2. 2.

    An abbreviation for "user" in computing contexts.

Related words

See also: directory, filesystem, unix
Synonyms: user directory

Etymology

Originally an abbreviation of "user," dating back to early Unix systems in the 1970s at Bell Labs. The directory was originally intended to contain user home directories, but its purpose evolved to store user-accessible programs and data shared across the system. Despite its name suggesting "user," it now primarily contains system resources.