universal
- universal
-
I. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin universalis, from universum universe
Date: 14th century
1. including or covering all or a whole collectively or distributively without limit or exception; especially available equitably to all members of a society <
universal health coverage
>
2.
a. present or occurring everywhere
b. existent or operative everywhere or under all conditions <universal cultural patterns
>
3.
a. embracing a major part or the greatest portion (as of mankind) <a universal state
> <universal practices
>
b. comprehensively broad and versatile <a universal genius
>
4.
a. affirming or denying something of all members of a class or of all values of a variable
b. denoting every member of a class <a universal term
>
5. adapted or adjustable to meet varied requirements (as of use, shape, or size) <a universal gear cutter
> <a universal remote control
>
• universally adverb
• universalness noun
II. noun
Date: 1553
1. one that is universal: as
a. a universal proposition in logic
b. a predicable of traditional logic
c. a general concept or term or something in reality to which it corresponds ; essence
2.
a. a behavior pattern or institution (as the family) existing in all cultures
b. a culture trait characteristic of all normal adult members of a particular society
New Collegiate Dictionary.
2001.
:
Look at other dictionaries:
Universal — may refer to:* The Universe, defined as the summation of all particles and energy that exist and the space time in which all events occurAs a modifier* Universal (metaphysics) * Universal joint, a machine part consisting of a pair of hinges… … Wikipedia
Universal — U ni*ver sal, a. [L. universalis: cf. F. universel, OF. also universal. See {Universe}.] 1. Of or pertaining to the universe; extending to, including, or affecting, the whole number, quantity, or space; unlimited; general; all reaching; all… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Universal — Universal, hergeleitet vom lateinischen Wort universus (= „gesamt“), bedeutet „gesamtheitlich“, „umfassend“, „global“ („weltweit“). Als Substantiv ist Universal (Universal ) Bestandteil von: das Universalinstrument der Astronomie und Geodäsie… … Deutsch Wikipedia
Universal — puede referirse a: Universal (filosofía) Universal (metafísica) Conjunto universal Proposición universal Cuantificador universal Universal Music Group Universal Studios Universal Edition El Universal, nombre de diversos diarios en América Latina … Wikipedia Español
universal — UNIVERSÁL, Ă, universali, e, adj. 1. Care aparţine Universului, privitor la Univers; care se extinde asupra întregii lumi, care cuprinde tot ce există şi este comun tuturor; care se referă la toate fiinţele sau lucrurile luate în consideraţie… … Dicționar Român
universal — 1 Universal, cosmic, ecumenical, catholic, cosmopolitan can all mean worldwide or at least extremely widespread (as in extent, range, influence, appeal, or use). Universal is likely to suggest what is worldwide rather than pertinent to or… … New Dictionary of Synonyms
universal — (Del lat. universālis, y este formado sobre el gr. καθολικός). 1. adj. Perteneciente o relativo al universo. 2. Que comprende o es común a todos en su especie, sin excepción de ninguno. 3. Que lo comprende todo en la especie de que se habla. 4.… … Diccionario de la lengua española
universal — uni·ver·sal /ˌyü nə vər səl/ adj 1 in the civil law of Louisiana a: encompassing or burdening all of one s property esp. causa mortis granted him a universal usufruct see also universal legacy at … Law dictionary
universal — [yo͞o΄nə vʉr′səl] adj. [ME universel < OFr < L universalis < universus: see UNIVERSE] 1. of the universe; present or occurring everywhere or in all things 2. of, for, affecting, or including all or the whole of something specified; not… … English World dictionary
universal — UK US /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəl/ adjective ► existing everywhere or involving everyone: universal access/service/standards »The wireless infrastructure provides universal access to the internet for all residents. »universal agreement/appeal/approval »All of … Financial and business terms
Universal — U ni*ver sal, n. 1. The whole; the general system of the universe; the universe. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] Plato calleth God the cause and original, the nature and reason, of the universal. Sir W. Raleigh. [1913 Webster] 2. (Logic) (a) A general… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
