Definition of UNIVERSAL

universal

Plural: universals

Noun

  • (linguistics) a grammatical rule (or other linguistic feature) that is found in all languages
  • (logic) a proposition that asserts something of all members of a class
  • a behavioral convention or pattern characteristic of all members of a particular culture or of all human beings
    • "some form of religion seems to be a human universal"
  • coupling that connects two rotating shafts allowing freedom of movement in all directions
    • "in motor vehicles a universal joint allows the driveshaft to move up and down as the vehicle passes over bumps"
  • A characteristic or property that particular things have in common.

Adjective Satellite

  • of worldwide scope or applicability; ; - Christopher Morley
    • "universal experience"
  • applicable to or common to all members of a group or set
    • "the play opened to universal acclaim"
    • "rap enjoys universal appeal among teenage boys"
  • adapted to various purposes, sizes, forms, operations; ,
    • "universal wrench"
    • "universal chuck"
    • "universal screwdriver"

Adj

  • Of or pertaining to the universe.
  • Common to all members of a group or class.
  • Common to all society; worldwide.
  • Unlimited; vast; infinite.
  • Useful for many purposes; all-purpose.

Examples

  • She achieved universal fame.
  • universal wrench

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English universal, from Old French universal (modern French universel), from Latin ūniversālis, equivalent to universe + -al.

Synonyms

cosmopolitan, ecumenical, general, linguistic universal, oecumenical, universal joint, universal proposition, world-wide, worldwide, general-purpose, generic, infinite, multi-purpose

Antonyms

particular, particular proposition, nonuniversal

Scrabble Score: 12

universal: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
universal: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
universal: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

universal: valid Words With Friends Word