First Known Use: 1570
Dictionary
1unit
noun \ˈyü-nət\
: a single thing, person, or group that is a part of something larger
: a part of a hospital where a particular type of care is provided
: a particular amount of length, time, money, etc., that is used as a standard for counting or measuring
Full 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>
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Origin of UNIT
back-formation from unity
Other Number-Related Terms
2unit
adjective
Definition of UNIT
: being, relating to, or measuring one unit
First Known Use of UNIT
1839
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
UNIT Defined for Kids
unit
noun \ˈyü-nət\
Definition of UNIT for Kids
1
: a single thing, person, or group forming part of a whole <There are 36 units in my apartment building.>
2
: the least whole number : one
3
: a fixed quantity (as of length, time, or value) used as a standard of measurement <An inch is a unit of length.>
4
: a part of a school course with a central theme
Medical Dictionary
unit
noun \ˈyü-nət\
Medical Definition of UNIT
1
: an amount of a biologically active agent (as a drug or antigen) required to produce a specific result under strictly controlled conditions <a unit of penicillin>—see international unit
2
: a small molecule especially when combined in a larger molecule <repeating units of a polymer>
3
: 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>
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