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unicum

unicum

9.9
A thing that exists only once
  • noun
  • /ˈjuːnɪkəm/
  • Archaic
translation icon : unicum
  • This painting is a unicum, with no other copies or versions known to exist.

Examples

  • The rare coin is a unicum and highly prized by collectors.

  • Scholars traveled from afar to study the unicum preserved in the museum.

  • This painting is a true unicum in the art world.

  • She discovered a unicum of a rare book at the auction.

  • This painting is a unicum, with no other copies or versions known to exist.

  • The rare coin is a unicum and highly prized by collectors.

  • Scholars traveled from afar to study the unicum preserved in the museum.

Synonyms

one of a kind
vsunicum
66 3.6

Only one thing or person like it exists

is the single-word label used for the same unique example
one and only
vsunicum
65 3.9

A single person or thing that is special and has no equal

is a neutral term for a single unique example without added emphasis

A unique thing or event that will never happen again

is a general label for a single unique example not limited to events

Surface Forms

unicum singular
unicums plural

Etymology

Unicum comes from the Latin unicus, which means 'only' or 'single'. Like the English word unique, it names something that is 'one of a kind' or the only one.