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• Linux
  Linux

  an operating system, based on UNIX, that runs on many different hardware platforms and whose source code is available to the public.
• linux
  linux

  noun

  a nonproprietary computer operating system suitable for use on personal computers

Linux

American  

[lin-uhks, lin-ooks] / ˈlɪn əks, ˈlɪn ʊks /

Computers, Trademark.

1. an operating system, based on UNIX, that runs on many different hardware platforms and whose source code is available to the public.

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linux British  

/ ˈlaɪnʌks /

noun

1. a nonproprietary computer operating system suitable for use on personal computers

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Etymology

Origin of Linux

First recorded in 1990–95; named after Linu(s) Benedict Torvalds (born 1969), Finnish software engineer + x as in UNIX ( def. )

Example Sentences

Anthropic has offered a preview of its new AI model, called Mythos, available to about 50 companies and organizations that maintain critical infrastructure, including Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet-owned Google and the Linux Foundation.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Previously, he was a writer at Wired, the IDG News Service and Linux Magazine, where he covered cloud computing, business technology, bitcoin, artificial intelligence and open-source software.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Essex said a reacceleration in software growth was encouraging, even as the government shutdown weighed on bookings and growth at Red Hat, the Linux software provider, which IBM acquired in 2019.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 2026

NordVPN works on most devices, including Windows, Mac and Linux computers; iOS and Android phones and tablets; Android TV and Apple TV; and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.

From Salon • Dec. 12, 2025

"Try updating a Linux server sometime," Jack said.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir