universal meaning and definition

UNIVERSAL noun

Definition of universal (noun)

1. (linguistics) a grammatical rule (or other linguistic feature) that is found in all languages
   • synonyms: linguistic universal
2. (logic) a proposition that asserts something of all members of a class
   • synonyms: universal proposition
   • antonym: particular
3. 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"
4. 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"
   • synonyms: universal joint

UNIVERSAL adjective

Definition of universal (adjective)

1. of worldwide scope or applicability
   • "an issue of cosmopolitan import"; "the shrewdest political and ecumenical comment of our time"- Christopher Morley; "universal experience"
   • synonyms: cosmopolitan, ecumenical, general, oecumenical, worldwide, world-wide
2. 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"
3. adapted to various purposes, sizes, forms, operations
   • "universal wrench", "universal chuck"; "universal screwdriver"