Unit

/ˈjuːnɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A single, complete entity that is part of a larger whole.
Each unit of the product was inspected for quality control.
A standard measure used to express a quantity.
The recipe calls for two units of sugar.
An individual or group in a larger organization, especially the military or in educational or research settings.
The science unit conducted several experiments on climate change.
A subdivision of a larger system, such as a building or an institution.
The hospital has a pediatric unit for children's health care.
In mathematics, a unit can refer to a single digit or element in a counting system.
In the number 327, the '7' is the unit.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin 'unitas', from 'unus' meaning 'one'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

unit of measure
A quantity used as a standard for measuring.
customer unit
An individual consumer or buyer, particularly in business contexts.
living unit
A space for individuals or families, often referring to housing arrangements.

Related Words

unity
The state of being united or forming a whole.
unify
To make or become united or combined.
unison
Simultaneous performance or utterance of action or speech.

Slang Meanings

A term used to refer to a person, especially in a group.
He's part of the unit that plays basketball every weekend.
In military slang, often refers to a group of soldiers.
The unit moved out at dawn for the mission.