UNIQUE

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does unique mean? 

• UNIQUE (adjective)
  The adjective UNIQUE has 4 senses:

1. radically distinctive and without equal

2. (followed by 'to') applying exclusively to a given category or condition or locality

3. the single one of its kind

4. highly unusual or rare but not the single instance

  Familiarity information: UNIQUE used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNIQUE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Radically distinctive and without equal

Synonyms:

alone; unequaled; unequalled; unique; unparalleled

Context example:

a breakdown of law unparalleled in our history

Similar:

incomparable; uncomparable (such that comparison is impossible; unsuitable for comparison or lacking features that can be compared)

Derivation:

uniqueness (the quality of being one of a kind)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(followed by 'to') applying exclusively to a given category or condition or locality

Context example:

a species unique to Australia

Similar:

specific ((sometimes followed by 'to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique)

Derivation:

uniqueness (the quality of being one of a kind)

Sense 3

Meaning:

The single one of its kind

Synonyms:

singular; unique

Context example:

certain types of problems have unique solutions

Similar:

single (existing alone or consisting of one entity or part or aspect or individual)

Derivation:

uniqueness (the quality of being one of a kind)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Highly unusual or rare but not the single instance

Context example:

a unique dining experience

Similar:

unusual (not usual or common or ordinary)

 Context examples 

The scientists found that there are about 435,000 unique land plant species on Earth.

(Nearly 40% of plant species are very rare, and vulnerable to climate change, National Science Foundation)

This pattern of expression is comprised of unique clusters of genes and proteins that display differential levels of expression.

(Molecular Signature, NCI Thesaurus)

The unique identification of an organization in a specified context.

(Organization Identifier, NCI Thesaurus)

It records an absolutely unique experience in the career both of Mr. Sherlock Holmes and of myself.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

A term that helps define and render a biological process concept unique by further defining or describing a specific aspect of a biological process.

(Biological Process Qualifier, NCI Thesaurus)

The protein contains a unique amino acid structure and an external cyclophilin-related domain.

(NK-Tumor Recognition Protein, NCI Thesaurus)

A concept unique identifier within the NCI Enterprise Vocabulary Service's NCI Thesaurus.

(NCI Concept Code, NCI Thesaurus)

A concept unique identifier within the NCI Enterprise Vocabulary Service's NCI Metathesaurus.

(NCI Metathesaurus Code, NCI Thesaurus)

You will have unique chances to display your talents, and they’ll be offers you’ve never had before.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

A method of biological assay that looks for the presence of unique molecules or sequences considered indicative for a condition or state.

(Biomarker Analysis, NCI Thesaurus)