general-purpose

[ jen-er-uhl-pur-puhs ]

/ ˈdʒɛn ər əlˈpɜr pəs /

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adjective

useful in many ways; not limited in use or function: a good general-purpose dictionary.

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of general-purpose

First recorded in 1890–95

Words nearby general-purpose

General Postal Union, general post office, general practice, general practitioner, general precession, general-purpose, general quarters, general relativity, general rule, General San Martín, General Sarmiento

How to use general-purpose in a sentence

The requirement might state a general purpose like: This aircraft must be able to hit X target though Y anticipated threat.
America’s Advanced Stealth Jet Flies on 1990s Tech|Dave Majumdar|October 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There are many terms for this kind of breathing, but the general purpose is to build up heat.
How to Master the Art of Breathing|Ari Meisel|April 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Some of it was just general-purpose paranoia, designed to trick money out of the pockets of the fearful and gullible.
Ron Paul: Still a Bunco Artist|David Frum|January 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The general purpose of the loan is to effectuate the objects of the voyage and the safety of the ship.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles

It does, however, include the cream of the list for general-purpose gardening.
Amateur Gardencraft|Eben E. Rexford
The general purpose, and design of all, was certainly the service of their Great Creator.
Dryden's Works (13 of 18): Translations; Pastorals|John Dryden
But the reviewers thought that this was unintelligible nonsense, and merely a small part of the writer's general purpose to annoy.
The Secret Glory|Arthur Machen
With the growth of a general-purpose class, interest in the Asiatic fowls rapidly declined.
Our Domestic Birds|John H. Robinson

British Dictionary definitions for general-purpose

general-purpose

adjective

having a range of uses or applications; not restricted to one function

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012