Generalized

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  generalize \gen"er*al*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Generalized};
     p. pr. & vb. n. {Generalizing}.] [Cf. F. g['e]n['e]raliser.]
     [Also spelled {generalise}.]
     [1913 Webster]
     1. To bring under a genus or under genera; to view in
        relation to a genus or to genera.


        [1913 Webster]
  
              Copernicus generalized the celestial motions by
              merely referring them to the moon's motion. Newton
              generalized them still more by referring this last
              to the motion of a stone through the air. --W.
                                                    Nicholson.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. To apply to other genera or classes; to use with a more
        extensive application; to extend so as to include all
        special cases; to make universal in application, as a
        formula or rule.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              When a fact is generalized, our discontent is
              quited, and we consider the generality itself as
              tantamount to an explanation.         --Sir W.
                                                    Hamilton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general
        principle) from particulars. [WordNet sense 2]
  
     Syn: generalize, extrapolate, infer.
          [1913 Webster]
  
                A mere conclusion generalized from a great
                multitude of facts.                 --Coleridge.
          [1913 Webster]
  
     4. To speak in generalities; to talk in abstract terms.
        [WordNet sense 1]
  
     Syn: generalise, speak generally.
          [WordNet 1.5]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Generalized \Gen"er*al*ized\, a. (Zool.)
     Comprising structural characters which are separated in more
     specialized forms; synthetic; as, a generalized type.
     [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  generalized
       adj 1: not biologically differentiated or adapted to a specific
              function or environment; "the hedgehog is a primitive
              and generalized mammal" [syn: {generalised}]
       2: made general; widely prevalent; "a problem of generalized
          human needs"; "a state of generalized discontent" [syn: {generalised}]
       3: spread throughout a body or system; "generalized edema"
          [syn: {generalised}]