| / English Dictionary |
UNIVERSAL
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Coupling that connects two rotating shafts allowing freedom of movement in all directions
Example:
in motor vehicles a universal joint allows the driveshaft to move up and down as the vehicle passes over bumps
Synonyms:
universal; universal joint
Classified under:
Nouns denoting man-made objects
Hypernyms ("universal" is a kind of...):
coupler; coupling (a mechanical device that serves to connect the ends of adjacent objects)
Holonyms ("universal" is a part of...):
drive line; drive line system (mechanism that transmits power from the engine to the driving wheels of a motor vehicle)
Sense 2
Meaning:
A behavioral convention or pattern characteristic of all members of a particular culture or of all human beings
Example:
some form of religion seems to be a human universal
Classified under:
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents
Hypernyms ("universal" is a kind of...):
convention; formula; normal; pattern; rule (something regarded as a normative example)
Sense 3
Meaning:
(logic) a proposition that asserts something of all members of a class
Synonyms:
universal; universal proposition
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("universal" is a kind of...):
proposition ((logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false)
Domain category:
logic (the branch of philosophy that analyzes inference)
Antonym:
particular ((logic) a proposition that asserts something about some (but not all) members of a class)
Sense 4
Meaning:
(linguistics) a grammatical rule (or other linguistic feature) that is found in all languages
Synonyms:
linguistic universal; universal
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("universal" is a kind of...):
linguistic rule; rule ((linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice)
Domain category:
linguistics (the scientific study of language)
II. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Of worldwide scope or applicability
Example:
universal experience
Synonyms:
cosmopolitan; ecumenical; general; oecumenical; universal; world-wide; worldwide
Classified under:
Similar:
comprehensive (including all or everything)
Derivation:
universality (the quality of being universal; existing everywhere)
universalize (make universal)
universe (everything that exists anywhere)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Adapted to various purposes, sizes, forms, operations
Example:
universal screwdriver
Classified under:
Similar:
adaptable (capable of adapting (of becoming or being made suitable) to a particular situation or use)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Applicable to or common to all members of a group or set
Example:
rap enjoys universal appeal among teenage boys
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
general (applying to all or most members of a category or group)
Context examples:
The synthetic peptide PADRE is a universal helper T cell epitope.
(PADRE-CMV Fusion Peptide Vaccine, NCI Thesaurus)
Then, amongst a chorus of screams from the peasants and a universal crossing of themselves, a calèche, with four horses, drove up behind us, overtook us, and drew up beside the coach.
(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)
Nevertheless, one hundred and forty pounds, to which was added the dignity that comes of good living and universal respect, enabled him to carry himself in right royal fashion.
(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)
Thus, when old Doctor Meldrum, with his well-known curly-brimmed opera-hat, appeared upon the platform, there was such a universal query of Where DID you get that tile?
(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
The findings reinforce the importance of universal screening for suicide risk in emergency departments and the need for follow-up care.
(Emergency department study reveals patterns of patients at increased risk for suicide, National Institutes of Health)
“A very praiseworthy practice,” said Edmund, “but not quite universal. I am one of the exceptions, and being one, must do something for myself.”
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
For that matter, it was always the great, universal motif that suggested plots to him.
(Martin Eden, by Jack London)
TNT exploits the presence of degenerating and necrotic cells within tumors by utilizing MOAbs directed against universal, intracellular nucleosomal determinants consisting of histone H1 and DNA.
(Iodine I 131 Monoclonal Antibody TNT-1/B, NCI Thesaurus)
Do not be afraid of my running into any excess, of my encroaching on your privilege of universal good-will.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
People with blood type O can donate blood to anyone and are called universal donors.
(ABO Blood Group, NCI Dictionary)
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