adj. 1.applying to all or most members of a category or group 2.not specialized or limited to one class of things 3.of national scope 4.prevailing among and common to the general public 5.affecting the entire body 6.somewhat indefinite 7.of worldwide scope or applicability general n. 1.a general officer of the highest rank 2.the head of a religious order or congregation 3.a fact about the whole (as opposed to particular) general v. 1.command as a general