[gen.er.al] adj [ME, fr. MF, fr. L generalis, fr. gener-, genus kind, class--more at kin] (14c) 1: involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole
2: involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group "the ~ equation of a straight line"
3: not confined by specialization or careful limitation
4: belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals: generic
5. a: applicable to or characteristic of the majority of individuals involved: prevalent b: concerned or dealing with universal rather than particular aspects
6: relating to, determined by, or concerned with main elements rather than limited details "bearing a ~ resemblance to the original" 7: holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled "the ~ manager"
[2]general n (14c) 1: something (as a concept, principle, or statement) that involves or is applicable to the whole
2: superior general 3 archaic: the general public: people
4. a: general officer b: a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who ranks above a lieutenant general and whose insignia is four stars--compare admiral -- in general : for the most part: generally