universal

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 limited or restricted

3. Obs. 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

n.

1. short for UNIVERSAL JOINT

2. Logic

a) a universal proposition

b) PREDICABLE (n. 2)

c) 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

universalness

n.

SYN.- UNIVERSAL implies applicability to every case or individual, without exception, in the class, category, etc. concerned [a universal practice among primitive peoples ]; GENERAL implies applicability to all, nearly all, or most of a group or class [a general election ]; GENERIC implies applicability to every member of a class or, specif. in biology, of a genus [a generic name ]