a fixed amount used as a standard for measuring something, such as length, weight, or temperature
The distance on the map was exactly one unit.
Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius, a common unit of heat.
✦ From Latin unitas “oneness, unity,” from unus “one.”
a single complete thing, group, or part that forms one of a larger whole
Each solar panel is a separate unit in the power system.
The math textbook is divided into ten units to help students learn step by step.
✦ Same as Sense 1.
a self-contained apartment within a larger building
They rented a unit near the beach in Sydney.
The real-estate agent showed us a spacious two-bedroom unit.
✦ Derived from the sense of ‘separate part’, adopted in Australian English for housing in the mid-1900s.
a specialized department or section within an organization, especially in a hospital, university, or company
Grandma was moved to the cardiac care unit.
The university’s climate research unit published its findings today.
✦ Extended senso-logical use from ‘separate part’ to mean a distinct department, first recorded in the early 1900s.
Joined together to form one group, country, or organization.
After decades of division, the two towns formed a united city council.
The rebels dreamed of creating one united nation out of the scattered kingdoms.
✦ From unite + -ed, first recorded in the 15th century to describe kingdoms or groups that had been brought together.
Agreeing and acting together for the same purpose.
The whole class was united in supporting their teammate.
Leaders from different parties stood united against corruption.
(mathematics) the number one, especially as the identity element in multiplication
Any value multiplied by unity remains unchanged.
When the denominator is less than unity, the fraction is greater than one.
✦ Extension of the general sense ‘oneness’ to the special role of the number one in mathematics, first recorded in the 17th century.
a time or situation that makes it possible to do something you want or need
The sunny weekend gave us the perfect opportunity to paint the fence.
During the lunch break, Mia saw an opportunity to ask her teacher for extra help.
✦ Middle English, from Old French opportunite, from Latin opportunitas "fitness, convenience", from opportunus "suitable, favorable".
a chance to get a job, promotion, or other career advancement
The company newsletter listed an opportunity for a marketing internship this summer.
After years on the factory floor, Jamal finally got the opportunity to become a supervisor.
