unique (adj.)

c. 1600, "single, solitary," from French unique (16c.), from Latin unicus "only, single, sole, alone of its kind," from unus "one" (from PIE root *oi-no- "one, unique"). Meaning "forming the only one of its kind" is attested from 1610s; erroneous sense of "remarkable, uncommon" is attested from mid-19c. Related: Uniquely; uniqueness.

Entries linking to unique

*oi-no-

Proto-Indo-European root meaning "one, unique."

It forms all or part of: a (1) indefinite article; alone; an; Angus; anon; atone; any; eleven; inch (n.1) "linear measure, one-twelfth of a foot;" lone; lonely; non-; none; null; once; one; ounce (n.1) unit of weight; quincunx; triune; unanimous; unary; une; uni-; Uniate; unilateral; uncial; unicorn; union; unique; unison; unite; unity; universal; universe; university; zollverein.

It is the hypothetical source of/evidence for its existence is provided by: Greek oinos "ace (on dice);" Latin unus "one;" Old Persian aivam; Old Church Slavonic -inu, ino-; Lithuanian vienas; Old Irish oin; Breton un "one;" Old English an, German ein, Gothic ains "one."

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Definitions of unique

unique (adj.)

(followed by `to') applying exclusively to a given category or condition or locality;

a species unique to Australia

unique (adj.)

radically distinctive and without equal;

Bach was unique in his handling of counterpoint

Synonyms: alone / unequaled / unequalled / unparalleled

unique (adj.)

the single one of its kind;

certain types of problems have unique solutions

a unique copy of an ancient manuscript

the unique existing example of Donne's handwriting

Synonyms: singular

unique (adj.)

highly unusual or rare but not the single instance;

spoke with a unique accent

had unique ability in raising funds

a unique dining experience

a frankness unique in literature

From wordnet.princeton.edu

Dictionary entries near unique

union

Union Jack

unionize

unipersonal

unipolar

unique

unisex

unisexual

unison

unit

unitard