Main Entry: ¹gen·er·al

Pronunciation: \ˈjen-rəl, ˈje-nə-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin generalis, from gener-, genus kind, class — more at kin

Date: 14th century

1 : involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole
2 : involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group <the general equation of a straight line>
3 : not confined by specialization or careful limitation
4 : belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals : generic
5 a : applicable to or characteristic of the majority of individuals involved : prevalent b : concerned or dealing with universal rather than particular aspects
6 : relating to, determined by, or concerned with main elements rather than limited details <bearing a general resemblance to the original>
7 : holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled <the general manager>