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 whole2: 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 limitation4: belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals : generic5 a: applicable to or characteristic of the majority of individuals involved : prevalent b: concerned or dealing with universal rather than particular aspects6: 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>