universal

The definition of universal is relating to or affecting all.

(adjective)

An example of universal used as an adjective is a universal curfew for a town which means that all members of that town must be home by a certain time.

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See universal in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  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 limited or restricted
  3. Obsolete being, or regarded as, a complete whole; entire; whole
  4. broad in knowledge, interests, ability, etc.
  5. that can be used for a great many or all kinds, forms, sizes, etc.; highly adaptable: a universal voltage regulator
  6. used, intended to be used, or understood by all
  7. Logic not restricted or particular in application; predicating something of every member of a specified class

Origin: ME universel < OFr < L universalis < universus: see universe

noun

  1. universal joint
  2. Logic
    1. a universal proposition
    2. predicable ()
    3. a general term or concept, or that which such a term or concept covers
  3. Philos. a metaphysical entity characterized by repeatability and unchanging nature through a series of changing relations, as substance

Related Forms:

See universal in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Of, relating to, extending to, or affecting the entire world or all within the world; worldwide: “This discovery of literature has as yet only partially penetrated the universal consciousness” (Ellen Key).
  2. Including, relating to, or affecting all members of the class or group under consideration: the universal skepticism of philosophers. See Synonyms at general.
  3. Applicable or common to all purposes, conditions, or situations: a universal remedy.
  4. Of or relating to the universe or cosmos; cosmic.
  5. Knowledgeable about or constituting all or many subjects; comprehensively broad.
  6. Adapted or adjustable to many sizes or mechanical uses.
  7. Logic Encompassing all of the members of a class or group. Used of a proposition.
noun
  1. Logic
    a. A universal proposition.
    b. A general or abstract concept or term considered absolute or axiomatic.
  2. A general or widely held principle, concept, or notion.
  3. A trait or pattern of behavior characteristic of all the members of a particular culture or of all humans.

Related Forms:

  • uˌni·verˈsal·ly adverb
  • uˌni·verˈsal·ness noun

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