Unit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🔢
unit
[ˈjuːnɪt ]
Definitions
measurement
A single thing or person regarded as complete in itself; a single and complete entity.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unit |
Used to refer to a single, undivided whole in various contexts such as measurements, education, or military.
|
| entity |
Used to describe something that exists independently and has its separate identity, often in legal, business, or philosophical contexts.
|
| element |
Refers to a basic or essential part of something, often used in scientific, technical, or abstract contexts.
|
| component |
Describes a part or a piece of a larger system or machine, emphasizing its role within that system.
|
Examples of usage
- The family is the basic unit of society.
- The cell is the fundamental unit of life.
military
A military element whose organization is structured in such a way as to be capable of independent action.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unit |
Refers to any single entity or an organized group of individuals within a larger organization, often used in military or technical contexts.
|
| troop |
Typically used to refer to soldiers or military personnel collectively, and can also describe a group of animals in some contexts. It often has a broader implication than 'platoon' or 'squad'.
|
| squad |
A small team or group within a larger organization, often used to describe a small military unit or a group working together for a specific task.
|
| platoon |
Specifically used in a military context, referring to a subdivision of a company-sized military unit, usually consisting of two or more squads.
|
Examples of usage
- The special forces unit carried out the covert operation successfully.
- The infantry unit advanced towards the enemy positions.
mathematics
A quantity chosen as a standard in terms of which other quantities may be expressed.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unit |
Used when referring to a single, complete element in a system, often in mathematics, science, or measuring.
|
| standard |
Used when referring to an established norm or requirement, often used in regulatory or quality context.
|
| measure |
Used when referring to the act of quantifying something, or the specific quantity determined.
|
| benchmark |
Used when referring to a standard or reference point for comparison or evaluation, often in performance assessments.
|
Examples of usage
- The meter is the basic unit of length in the metric system.
- The kilogram is the unit of mass in the metric system.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In mathematics, a unit can represent a standard of measurement, such as a 'unit of length' like a meter or a foot.
- The concept of units is fundamental in equations, where a unit must be consistent across all terms.
- In geometry, a 'unit circle' has a radius of one, which is key in trigonometry.
Education
- In educational contexts, 'unit' often refers to a specific section of study, such as a unit on ecosystems in science class.
- Units can help structure learning, breaking large topics into manageable parts for students.
- Standardized tests often assess knowledge by units, allowing teachers to measure the understanding of specific content.
Cultural References
- The phrase 'unit of measure' is commonly used in cooking, where recipes specify units like cups, teaspoons, or ounces.
- In training or military contexts, a unit often refers to a group of soldiers working together.
- The term 'unit' can also describe a unique living space in urban planning, such as an apartment unit in a complex.
Science
- In science, particularly physics, a unit is essential in expressing quantities, like 'newton' for force or 'joule' for energy.
- Biological units like 'unit area' can be crucial when discussing populations in ecology.
- The International System of Units (SI) provides a standardized system to ensure scientific consistency worldwide.
Origin of 'unit'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'unit' comes from the Latin 'unus', meaning 'one', which reflects its nature as a single item.
- It was first used in English around the 15th century, initially referring to a single item that could stand alone.
- In medieval times, units were often used in measurements, signifying a standard amount.
The word 'unit' originated from the Latin word 'unus' meaning 'one'. It entered the English language in the 16th century. Initially used to signify a single entity, it later expanded to represent a variety of contexts, including measurement, military organization, and mathematics.