(linguistics) a grammatical rule (or other linguistic feature) that is found in all languages
[ Syn: linguistic universal ]
(logic) a proposition that asserts something of all members of a class
[ Syn: universal proposition , universal proposition ]
a behavioral convention or pattern characteristic of all members of a particular culture or of all human beings; some form of religion seems to be a human universal'
coupling that connects two rotating shafts allowing freedom of movement in all directions; in motor vehicles a universal joint allows the driveshaft to move up and down as the vehicle passes over bumps
[ Syn: universal joint ]
universal (n.)
of worldwide scope or applicability; an issue of cosmopolitan import; the shrewdest political and ecumenical comment of our time- Christopher Morley; universal experience
[ Syn: cosmopolitan , ecumenical , oecumenical , general , worldwide , world-wide ]
applicable to or common to all members of a group or set; the play opened to universal acclaim; rap enjoys universal appeal among teenage boys'
adapted to various purposes, sizes, forms, operations; universal wrench, universal chuck; universal screwdriver'