unit

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Mathematics

n. a standard amount used for measuring things like length, weight, or time.

n. a standard quantity or magnitude used as a basis for measuring other quantities of the same kind.

“The metre is a unit of length in the metric system.”

“Scientists must ensure they use consistent units of measurement when collaborating on international research projects to avoid calculation errors.”

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Education

n. a section of a course or a book that focuses on one topic.

n. a self-contained section of a curriculum or textbook covering a specific subject area.

“We are studying the history of the industrial revolution in Unit 4.”

“The final unit of the biology syllabus focuses exclusively on genetics and evolutionary theory.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a small group of people who work together in the army or a hospital.

n. a subdivision of a larger organization, specifically in military or medical contexts, that performs a specialized function.

“He was assigned to an infantry unit stationed overseas.”

“The intensive care unit requires specialized nursing staff who are trained to handle life-threatening emergencies at a moment's notice.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · Slang · British English

n. a person who is very big, tall, or strong.

n. a person of exceptionally large or muscular build.

“Look at the size of that rugby player; he is an absolute unit.”

“The new bouncer is a total unit, standing well over two metres tall and weighing nearly one hundred and twenty kilograms.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English

n. a specific amount of alcohol in a drink or electricity used.

n. a fixed quantity of a commodity, such as a kilowatt-hour of energy or a specific volume of pure ethanol.

“A glass of wine usually contains about two units of alcohol.”

“The household reduced its energy consumption by ten units per week after installing solar panels on the roof.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Mathematics Technical

adj. relating to a single item or having a value of one.

adj. denoting a single item or a magnitude of one; often used to describe the price of one item in a set.

“The unit price of the apples is cheaper if you buy the whole bag.”

“The mathematician defined a unit vector as one having a magnitude of exactly one in a given direction.”