generalīzāˈtion or generalīsāˈtion noun

genˈeralize or genˈeralise transitive verb

1. To make general
2. To include under a general term
3. To reduce to a general form
4. To comprehend as a particular case within a wider concept, proposition, definition, etc
5. To represent or endow with the common characters of a group without the special characters of any one member
6. To bring to general use or knowledge
7. To infer inductively

1. To make general statements
2. To form general concepts
3. To depict general character
4. To reason inductively

genˈerally adverb

1. In a general or collective manner or sense
2. In most cases
3. On the whole

genˈeralship noun

1. The position of a military commander
2. The art of manipulating armies
3. Tactical management and leadership

general anaesthetic see under anaesthesia

General Assembly see under assemble

General Certificate of Education noun

In secondary education in England and Wales, a certificate obtainable at Ordinary (formerly), Advanced, and Special levels for proficiency in one or more subjects

General Certificate of Secondary Education noun

In England and Wales, a certificate based on coursework as well as examinations, designed to suit a wide range of academic ability

general degree same as pass degree (see under pass).

general delivery noun (US)

Poste restante

general election noun

An election of all the members of a body (eg House of Commons, House of Representatives) at once

general epistles see under catholic

general journal noun (bookkeeping)

A book of initial entry for miscellaneous transactions

general ledger noun (bookkeeping)

1. A book which contains nominal accounts
2. The central database of a bookkeeping system (US)

general line noun

The party line

general meeting noun

A meeting of members of an organization whose decisions are legally binding

general officer noun (military)

An officer above the rank of colonel

general paralysis of the insane noun

General paresis (qv under paresis)

general post noun

1. Formerly, dispatch of mail to all parts, as opposed to local twopenny or penny post
2. The main daily delivery of letters
3. A general change of positions, etc (from a parlour game)

general post office noun

1. Formerly, an office receiving letters for the general post
2. (now) the head post office of a town or district

general practice noun

The work of a general practitioner, a doctor who treats patients for most illnesses or complaints, referring other cases to specialists

general principle noun

A principle to which there are no exceptions within its range of application

genˈeral-purpose adjective

Generally useful, not restricted to a particular function

general reserve noun (accounting)

Profits which have been set aside for retention in the business but not for any specified purpose

general servant noun

A servant whose duties embrace domestic work of every kind

general staff noun

Military officers who advise senior officers on policy, administration, etc

General Synod see under synod

in general

1. As a generalization
2. Mostly, as a general rule