ˈju:nɪt n. 1 a an
individual thing,
person, or
group regarded as
single and complete,
esp.
for purposes of
calculation. b
each of
the (smallest)
separate individuals or groups
into which a
complex whole may be analysed (the
family as the unit of society). 2 a
quantity chosen as a
standard in terms of which
other quantities may be expressed (unit of
heat; SI unit; mass
per unit volume). 3
Brit. the smallest share in a unit
trust. 4 a
device with a specified
function forming
part of a complex
mechanism. 5 a
piece of
furniture for
fitting with others like it or
made of
complementary parts. 6 a group with a
special function in an
organization. 7 a group of buildings, wards,
etc., in a
hospital. 8 the
number 'one'. øunit
cell Crystallog. the smallest repeating group of atoms, ions, or molecules in a
crystal. unit
cost the cost of producing
one item of
manufacture. unit-holder Brit. a person with a
holding in a unit trust. unit
price the price charged for each unit of goods supplied. unit trust Brit. an
investment company investing combined contributions
from many persons in
various securities and paying
them dividends in
proportion to
their holdings. [L unus, prob.
after DIGIT]
