n.
Pronunciation: ' jen-r ə l, ' je-n ə -
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin generalis, from gener-, genus kind, class ― more at KIN
Date: 14th century
1 : involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole
2 : involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group <the general 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 general resemblance to the original>
7 : holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled <the general manager>