unity

unity [yo͞o′nə tē]

n.

pl. unities [ME unite < OFr unité < L unitas, oneness < unus,ONE]

1. the state of being one, or united; oneness; singleness

2. something complete in itself; single, separate thing

3. the quality of being one in spirit, sentiment, purpose, etc.; harmony; agreement; concord; uniformity

4.

a) unification

b) a unified group or body

5. the quality or fact of being a totality or whole, esp. a complex that is a union of related parts

6.

a) an arrangement of parts or material in a work of art or literature, that will produce a single, harmonious effect

b) a design or effect so produced

7. constancy, continuity, or fixity of purpose, action, etc.

8. Math.

a) any quantity, magnitude, etc. considered or identified as a unit, or 1

b) the numeral or unit 1

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the three unities or the unities

the three principles of dramatic construction derived by French neoclassicists from Aristotle's Poetics, holding that a play should have one unified plot (unity of action) and that all the action should occur within one day (unity of time) and be limited to a single locale (unity of place)

SYN.- UNITY implies the oneness, as in spirit, aims, interests, feelings, etc., of that which is made up of diverse elements or individuals [national unity]; UNION implies the state of being united into a single organization for a common purpose [a labor union]; SOLIDARITY implies such firm and complete unity in an organization, group, class, etc. as to make for the greatest possible strength in influence, action, etc.