universal
noun
(linguistics) a grammatical rule (or other linguistic feature) that is found in all languages
Synonymslinguistic universal(logic) a proposition that asserts something of all members of a class
Synonymsuniversal propositionOppositesparticulara behavioral convention or pattern characteristic of all members of a particular culture or of all human beings
“some form of religion seems to be a human universal”
coupling that connects two rotating shafts allowing freedom of movement in all directions
“in motor vehicles a universal joint allows the driveshaft to move up and down as the vehicle passes over bumps”
Synonymsuniversal joint
adjective
of worldwide scope or applicability
“an issue of cosmopolitan import”
“the shrewdest political and ecumenical comment of our time”
applicable to or common to all members of a group or set
“the play opened to universal acclaim”
“rap enjoys universal appeal among teenage boys”
adapted to various purposes, sizes, forms, operations
“universal wrench”
“universal chuck”
Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University
