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unique (adj.)

c. 1600, "single, solitary," from Middle French unique (16c.), from Latin unicus "only, single, sole, alone of its kind," from unus "one" (from PIE root *oi-no- "one, unique"). Meaning "forming the only one of its kind" is attested from 1610s; erroneous sense of "remarkable, uncommon" is attested from mid-19c. Related: Uniquely; uniqueness.

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Definitions of unique from WordNet

unique (adj.)
(followed by `to') applying exclusively to a given category or condition or locality;
a species unique to Australia
unique (adj.)
radically distinctive and without equal;
Bach was unique in his handling of counterpoint
Synonyms: alone / unequaled / unequalled / unparalleled
unique (adj.)
the single one of its kind;
certain types of problems have unique solutions
a unique copy of an ancient manuscript
the unique existing example of Donne's handwriting
Synonyms: singular
unique (adj.)
highly unusual or rare but not the single instance;
spoke with a unique accent
had unique ability in raising funds
a unique dining experience
a frankness unique in literature
From wordnet.princeton.edu