adjective
unique
yoo-NEEK/juˈniːk/
The only one of its kind or strikingly different from others.
The four-leaf clover is unique among the three-leaf plants in the patch.
Etymology
Latin unicus already meant single or alone of its kind. English extended that strict idea of having no counterpart to the looser meaning of being remarkable or notably unusual.
In context
what types of things are unique to cancer what how does cancer function different from normal cells
More examples
- Even identical twins have unique fingerprints.
- This plant is unique to the island.
- Her unique sense of humor makes routine meetings enjoyable.
Forms
unique
uniquely adverb — In a way unlike any other.
uniqueness noun — The quality of being unlike anything else.
Similar words
- distinctive
- Emphasizes recognizable features, without necessarily implying something is unmatched.
- singular
- Often emphasizes something unusual or remarkable rather than strictly unmatched.