uni
uni Lexical Profile
uni Game Scores & Validity
• noun
British An informal shortening of university, an institution of higher learning and research.
"She is taking a gap year to travel before starting uni in the autumn."
The edible roe (gonads) of the sea urchin, prized as a rich, creamy delicacy in Japanese cuisine and sushi.
"The chef topped the hand-rolled sushi with fresh uni imported from Hokkaido."
American An informal shortening of uniform, especially the distinctive jersey and kit worn by a sports team.
"The basketball team unveiled their throwback unis for the homecoming game."
An informal shortening of unicycle, a pedal-driven vehicle with only a single wheel.
"He practiced riding his mountain uni along the rocky forest trail."
Word Nuance & Usage
In British, Australian, and New Zealand English, 'uni' is the standard informal term for university (pronounced 'YOO-nee'), whereas in culinary contexts globally it refers to sea urchin roe (pronounced 'OO-nee').
• Rhymes for uni
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
As an informal shortening of 'university', the term emerged in Australian and British student slang in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; the culinary sense is a direct borrowing from Japanese 'uni' (雲丹), meaning sea urchin.