unit

¹unit

noun \ˈyü-nət\

Definition of UNIT

1

a : the first and least natural number : one b : a single quantity regarded as a whole in calculation

2

: a determinate quantity (as of length, time, heat, or value) adopted as a standard of measurement: as a : an amount of work used in education in calculating student credits b : an amount of a biologically active agent (as a drug or antigen) required to produce a specific result — compare international unit

3

a : a single thing, person, or group that is a constituent of a whole b : a part of a military establishment that has a prescribed organization (as of personnel and materiel) c : a piece or complex of apparatus serving to perform one particular function d : a part of a school course focusing on a central theme e : a local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses f : a small molecule especially when combined in a larger molecule <repeating units of a polymer> g : an area in a medical facility and especially a hospital that is specially staffed and equipped to provide a particular type of care <an intensive care unit>

Examples of UNIT

1. The family is the basic unit of society.
2. The search party broke up into smaller units.
3. Their army unit guarded the border.
4. Feet and meters are units of length.
5. The dollar is the principal unit of American currency.

Origin of UNIT

back-formation from unity

First Known Use: 1570

Other Number-Related Terms

jubilee, myriad, quarantine, score, twain