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universal definition

uni·ver·sal (yo̵̅o̅′nə vʉrsəl)

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

Etymology: 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:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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